The Australian melon industry gathered in force on the week beginning Monday 2 June for the 2025 Australian Melon Conference and 30-Year Anniversary Celebration, hosted by Melons Australia.
With growers, and industry from across the country in attendance, the event provided a vital platform to discuss current challenges and lay the groundwork for future strategic growth.
A key message that resonated from the conference was the ongoing pressure of the cost/price squeeze faced by melon grower across the country.
Conference presenters and attendees highlighted the urgent need for thorough market assessments and support to diversify market access.
There was a clear call for all decisions—whether marketing, R&D, or communications—to be backed by robust data, and for a future- focused program built on collaboration, education and strategic communication.
A number of initiatives were flagged for potential progression, whether through levy investment or alternative support.
These include:
• Embedding melon education into schools and food service sectors.
• Continuing efforts to enhance fruit quality and pursue new markets.
• Exploring strategic collaboration opportunities across the supply chain.
• Strengthening the promotion of health benefits through targeted extension activities.
• Storytelling and celebrating grower experiences—expanding on current efforts with the potential development of a grower-focused communications and social media training program.
• Investigating a horticulture apprenticeship or young-person engagement strategy to attract future industry leaders.
Importantly, the event also raised the need to review the current levy structure to allow for greater investment in marketing activities on behalf of the industry.
Melons Australia’s chief executive officer Johnathon Davey celebrated “the robust and open engagement throughout the day” and noted “the particularly strong turnout of over 130 participants following a seven-year hiatus of the Australian Melon Conference”.
The evening celebration was a special milestone moment, bringing together generations of industry leaders to mark the 30th anniversary of the incorporation of the Australian Melon Association.
In a rare gathering, four of the six chairs of the association were present to reflect on three decades of leadership, growth, and resilience. Among those recognised was Darryl O’Leary (Chinchilla), who served as the inaugural Chair of the Association following its formation in 1995.
Judy Greensill (Bundaberg) was also celebrated, having served as the first secretary/treasurer and later chair between 2003 and 2007.
Judy’s dedication to the melon industry, both as a former Chair of the AMA and a life member of Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers, has helped pave the way for the strong, collaborative industry we see today.
Greensill Farming managing director Peter Greensill said they were incredibly proud to see Judy recognised for her years of volunteer service and leadership.
“Her passion for horticulture and commitment to industry development continue to inspire us at Greensill Farming,” he said.
“Congratulations to the AMA on 30 years of service to growers and the broader melon community.”
The Australian melon industry now looks to the future with renewed focus, determined to evolve and grow through collaboration, innovation, and a strong collective voice.
