newsletter-January

Welcome to the first Melon e-newsletter of 2024! We trust you all have had a safe and memorable festive season. Our team enjoyed some well needed down time and are all back onboard ready to support a strong future for the Australian melon industry.

The Melons Australia team are currently progressing some important initiatives, including securing dates for our upcoming roadshows, strongly representing industry in overseas tradeshows, organising our upcoming 2024 International Study Tour - and much more.

As outlined in the article below, we have some exciting developments in the Industry Training and Leadership program and ask you to register your interest ASAP to ensure we get the most out of this program.

Next week, I’m scheduled to attend multiple meetings in Parliament House in Canberra. I will provide an update upon their conclusion. In other news, I have had the honour of being appointed as the Chair of the Industry Advisory Committee for the Hort Innovation Fresh and Secure Trade Alliance (FASTA) program. For more information about this program, please refer to the provided link.

In addition, I am in close collaboration with State and Territory Governments regarding industry involvement in shaping Food Safety regulations. This is in preparation for the February 2025 implementation of the FSANZ P1052 Standards.

Please reach out to me, Johnathon Davey, Executive Officer Melons Australia on Email here or by phone +61 407 032 023 should you need to discuss anything.

Have your say about the fresh produce market

Have you say about the fresh produce market and let us know is it efficient, transparent and fair?

The NFF Horticulture Council is calling on all fresh produce growers and suppliers to share their trading experiences and insights to inform how our markets might work better for everyone.

Your answers will be used to inform our response to the numerous government reviews and inquiries that have been announced including the:

Inquiry into price gouging and unfair pricing practices
ACCC supermarket sector inquiry 2024-25
Food and Grocery Code of Conduct Review 2023–24
Queensland parliamentary inquiry into the price of groceries.

While the survey will remain open for some time, we’d love responses before Monday 12 February to feed into the earliest of these.

Take the Survey Now - click this link: Fresh and Fair - Grower and Supplier Survey (office.com)

Check out the QFVG We Give A Fork site to keep up to date with their activities: Stories | We Give A Fork - Spread The Message

Melons Australia 2024 Road Show events announced

Melons Australia is excited to announce the 2024 Roadshow, bringing together industry stakeholders and members in new various locations across Australia, and kickstarting in Western Australia in February!

Here's a glimpse of the tentative schedule for other key locations:

Waroona, WA – Drakesbrook Hotel: from 4pm Tuesday 27 February 2024
Carnarvon, WA– from 4pm Wednesday 28 February 2024, date locked in and venue details to come (stay tuned!).
Tully, QLD: Monday 18 March 2024*
Bundaberg, QLD: Thursday 21 March 2024*
Kununurra, WA: Wednesday 17 April 2024*
Katherine, NT: Friday 19 April 2024*

NOTE: dates marked with an asterisk (*) are in the process of being confirmed.

We're looking forward to seeing you at our 2024 roadshows and engaging in fruitful discussions and activities that enhance our vibrant melon industry! For further information or input into these events, please contact Johnathon Davey by email HERE.

2024 Melon Study Tour project to the Americas

In December 2023, Melons Australia was awarded a 3-year Melon Study Tour project, funded by the Hort Innovation Melon Levy. We are now beginning to plan for the first study tour, which is currently slated for visiting the USA in August 2024.

The study tours will include grower and supply chain visits, technology advancements, retail tours and many more stops.

Following our E-News in December 2023, we have already started receiving expressions of interest, so for further information or to express your interest please contact Johnathon via email as soon as possible HERE.

Melons Australia Leadership Training – Sign up for 2024

As we dive into 2024, it is important to note that under the Hort Innovation Melon Fund, Melons Australia continues to offer training and leadership development opportunities for the industry. Start 2024 fresh, and think about something you can do for yourself, your business and your industry - by signing up to one of the Melon Industry leadership and development programs!

We have six courses currently available, targeted at entry level leadership right through to established leaders and there is no better time to lock in your new year’s resolution by making the most of this opportunity. Participants of the leadership program will also be strongly encouraged and considered for participation in the Melon study tour program outlined in the article above which will also kick off in 2024.

In recent developments, we are building in a level of flexibility into the program, and so if there are any training and development courses that are of interest to you then we are willing to consider these. If you have interest in undertaking training not currently on offer then please contact Jo Embry for a further discussion to explore if the training aligns with the scope of the project.

For more information about the courses available and the process to apply please visit the website HERE.

Phase 1 Melon Quality Improvement Data

Melon producers and interested parties can explore the Melon Quality Improvement Project VM21001 data via the Melons Australia website HERE. To view the latest data, scroll to the bottom of the webpage and click the ‘MELON QUALITY LIVE DATA’ green box.

Phase 1 of the Melon Quality Improvement project, funded by the Hort Innovation melon levy, will conclude very soon and we want to ensure people are accessing and utilising this data.

Phase 2 of this important work stream will concentrate on applying the new Quality Standards and practical on-farm strategies to help the industry meet these standards. To read more about this project head to Hort Innovation HERE.

PROJECT VM22001 UPDATE: 2023 Results of crop disease monitoring

In 2023, commercial watermelon and rockmelon crops located in Bundaberg, QLD during the Autumn and Spring planting windows were monitored for soilborne fungal disease over time. Disease progress was evaluated against local weather data to detect potential triggers for disease development and spread.

The monitoring showed that disease impacts are site specific and can vary a lot within a growing district or even a property. Key observations included:

Weather parameters strongly influence impacts of gummy stem blight, particularly conditions that promote leaf wetness (i.e. high humidity, cool temperatures, and rainfall).
High gummy stem disease incidence does not always mean large yield impacts.
Fusarium impacts are significant and less influenced by weather conditions than other diseases.
Charcoal rot is an underestimated factor of vine collapse in melon.

Read the full project update HERE.

Melon News Magazine out now!

Did you receive our final 2023 edition of Melon News magazine in the post over the Christmas period?

If not, you can now read the full digital magazine on our website. This latest edition covers off a many of the Hort Innovation funded projects with some interesting articles on Melon growers and new offerings.

Click this link to access all of our Melon News magazines.

SARP Surveys closing date extended

The closing date for the Strategic Agrichemical Review Process (SARP) Surveys for the Onion, Olive, Melon, Pineapple, Papaya and Lychee industries has been extended to 29 February 2024. You can find updated information for the melon industry by clicking HERE.

The SARP is underway with each industry's SARP report assisting in directing ongoing efforts to ensure the availability of and access to effective chemical controls for the industries, to address those needs and gaps. Your input is therefore very important.

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily: transition to recovery

If your farm business has suffered significant damage from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily, you can apply for an Individual Disaster Stricken Property (IDSP) declaration to access freight assistance and low interest loans 👉 https://brnw.ch/21wGxiA

We urge you to report farm damage and losses via the DAFQ Disaster Impact Survey here 👉 https://brnw.ch/21wGxiB

This will allow DAFQ to assess whether further assistance is required to support the recovery of impacted communities.

For updates, visit the DAFQ website HERE or call 13 25 23.

Proposed APVMA regulatory decision for Chlorpyrifos

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has published its proposed regulatory decision in relation to the authority’s review of chlorpyrifos, an insecticide used for the control of pests in various agricultural, horticultural, commercial and veterinary situations.

Impact on melon uses

There are several chemical products containing chlorpyrifos currently approved for use on melons for the control of insect pests. The APVMA’s proposed regulatory decision does not support the use of chlorpyrifos on melons, based on worker exposure and/or residues concerns.

A summary of assessment outcomes is provided in Table 1 in the document here.

The APVMA is proposing to remove the use of chlorpyrifos chemical products on melons, through varying or cancelling chlorpyrifos chemical products and associated label approvals.

Further information and a summary of the underlying risk assessments are available in the

I have chlorpyrifos product; can I still use it?

Registered chemical products containing chlorpyrifos can continue to be used during the consultation period, in accordance with the approved label instructions. Information about registered products can be found on the APVMA’s PubCRIS database.

What happens next?

The APVMA's public consultation on the regulatory decision for chlorpyrifos ends on 11 March 2024. Stakeholders and the public can submit feedback via the APVMA website by clicking here, supporting comments with scientific information.

The final decision, considering all submissions, will be announced in July 2024, potentially leading to a 12-month phase-out for chlorpyrifos products.

Don’t have time to make a submission?

If you are a melon grower using chlorpyrifos and do not have the time or need to make a submission but would like to provide comments, please send them to Melons Australia by emailing Joanna Embry - Biosecurity Officer, Email: biosecurity@melonsaustralia.org.au.

Women in farming and agriculture eligible for leadership development scholarships

Available Now: Partial scholarships for women in Farming and Agriculture ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per person, for one of four leadership and workplace skill development programs.

These scholarships are aimed at encouraging more women to increase their impact at work, progress their career, and step into leadership roles.

Registrations of interest close on 22nd March 2024 via the women in leadership Australia website here.

Grower Funding is Now Available for HC24!

Great news for horticulture growers!

You can now apply for funding of up to $1,000 to attend Hort Connections 2024, the largest horticulture conference and trade show in the Southern Hemisphere. The funding helps cover accommodation, flights, and attendance costs.

Apply now to secure your spot, as funding is limited. Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to connect with other leading growers and industry suppliers.

Here is What You Need to Apply

Each levy-paying business can nominate one grower to receive up to $1,000 to help attend the conference. Please send the necessary documents by email here to Alex Lashchuk to secure funding:

A recent copy of your Levy Remittance Advice document or proof of horticulture levy payments,
Hort Connections Grower Conference Access pass, Perfection Fresh Breakfast and Hort Connections Gala Dinner ticket receipts,
Corporate Traveller flights/accommodation booking confirmation document.

Melon Grower International Trade Mission Opportunities 2024

Melons Australia is pleased to be working with AUSVEG, under the multi-industry export project, to support and coordinate grower participation in several international trade exhibitions throughout 2024. Opportunities are present in the following:

Foodex Japan: 5 – 8 March 2024, Tokyo Big Sight, Japan.
FHA F&B: 23 – 26 April 2024, Singapore Expo.
AUSVEG Export Fresh Produce Showcase: 3 June 2024, Melbourne, Victoria (pre-Hort Connections).
Asia Fruit Logistica: 4 – 6 September 2024, Asia World Expo, Hong Kong.
There will also be a Reverse Trade Mission towards the end of May/June 2024 to various growing locations across Australia.

If you would like to be involved in any of these exciting upcoming opportunities, please let Johnathon Davey know by email here ASAP.

These events present an exceptional chance to showcase Australian melons globally and foster new business relationships. Let's make 2024 a year of remarkable global outreach!

Next round of Industry Biosecurity Response Readiness Training

DAFQ are pleased to announce the next round of industry biosecurity response readiness training for growers in Queensland.

The comprehensive training is intended for all staff, elected officials and emerging leaders of agricultural peak industry bodies and will cover:

How biosecurity incident responses are activated at a state and national level, including management and funding arrangements
The role of peak bodies in a biosecurity incident response and how they collaborate with government during an incident
The potential impacts of a biosecurity incident for industry stakeholders
How industry representative bodies can prepare for their role in a biosecurity incident response.

Online via Microsoft Teams

13 Feb (9am-1pm)
14 Feb (1-5pm)
12 & 13 March (7-9pm both nights)
9 April (TBC)

Face to face

Bundaberg – 18 March
Rockhampton – 20 March
Townsville – 22 March
Brisbane – 5 & 16 April

Additional information - For online sessions, you will receive Microsoft Teams meeting invites closer to the respective dates. All face-to-face sessions will run from 9am until 2pm, with lunch and light refreshments provided. Venue details will be communicated via calendar invite as soon as they are confirmed.

Stay updated

We understand schedules may change – we will keep you informed of any updates or changes to the schedule.

Should you have any inquiries or need further assistance, please feel free to contact Cameron Durnsford by email HERE.

Biosecurity Mates Ambassador Program now taking applications!

Join the Biosecurity Mates Ambassador Program in Queensland - learn more HERE!

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Queensland are seeking six leaders with expertise in agriculture, environment, science, or technology to advocate for biosecurity awareness. Apply or recommend someone through the engagement hub. Let's strengthen biosecurity together!

Fair Talk by Fair Farms webinar

Fair Farms is excited to host its first 'Fair Talk with Fair Farms':

When: Wednesday, 7 February, 12-12:30pm AEST.
Where: online as per the Registration link

For more information and registration link click HERE.

This 30-minute live talk show features Steve Dargavel, Labour Hire Licensing Commissioner, discussing trends, changes, and challenges in the labour hire industry. The event, aimed at labour hire providers, workers, growers, and industry stakeholders, will offer insights into labour hire licensing and its impact on ethical sourcing.

This event will cover topics and labour hire issues including:

How Labour Hire Providers fit into the jigsaw of ethical sourcing
Why Labour Hire Providers are important in the Horticulture landscape
The current 'state' of the labour hire provider industry in Australia
Resources available to workers and growers.

Industry Liaison Officer Training 2024

Plant Health Australia (PHA) is set to conduct Industry Liaison Officer (ILO) training sessions in 2024 at these locations:

Orange, NSW on 21 February 2024, in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries.
Northern Territory on 15 May 2024.
Victoria and Queensland in late 2024 (Dates to be confirmed).

These sessions aim to train ILOs to act as a critical link between the Incident Management Team and the affected industry, especially during exotic pest incursions in the cropping sector.

Key outcomes to be achieved through this training include

aiding decision-making in response centres,
advising on industry impacts, and
supporting communication and engagement activities.

Melon growers are encouraged to participate to ensure representation in case of incursions affecting melons.

Interested in enrolling or want more info? Contact Joanna Embry by email HERE.

Hort Connections 2024

Hort Connections – Australia and New Zealand’s largest horticulture conference and trade show – is coming to Melbourne in 2024!

Why attend Hort Connections 2024?

Professional Development: Hear from world-class experts on a range of topics including transformative research, global innovations, consumption trends and export development.
Networking: Interact with the largest cohort of industry stakeholders in the horticulture sector.
Recognition: Celebrate the outstanding achievements of the Horticulture Awards for Excellence 2024.
Trade Show: Grow your connections and supply contacts at the largest trade show in Australian and New Zealand horticulture, with exhibitors from more than 200 industry-leading companies showcasing the latest products and services.

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