Background:

Growers have recently raised concerns about levies, engagement with Melons Australia, and priority areas.

The Board is seeking grower input via a short survey to inform a new 3–5 year Strategic Plan, ensuring it is practical, grower‑driven, and outcome‑focused.

The new plan aims to address current and emerging industry pressure points and strengthen the future of the Australian melon industry.
Current Strategic Plan (2021–26) – Key Objectives:

  • Profitability & Supply:
    • Ensure profitable, consistent, sustainable production meeting domestic and international demand.
    • Recent export growth: +34% to Japan and +87% to Gulf countries over the last 3 years.
    • Domestic sales up 2.7% (52 weeks to 30 Nov 2025), but grower returns require renewed focus.
  • Industry Viability & Risk Management:
    • Maintain strong pest, traceability, food safety and biosecurity systems.
      • Awaiting test results to support retail engagement on cut‑melon presentation (ambient vs chilled).
  • Organisational Capacity:
    • Maintain appropriate structure, capability and flexibility to respond to industry change and crises.
  • Grower Environment & Unity:
    • Support a positive, representative environment for growers with diverse needs.
The NEED for Grower Input:


  • Refresh strategies for 2026 and beyond.
  • Help shape priorities for the next Strategic Plan and operational plans.
  • Use grower comments to build practical workstreams aligned to real industry needs.
Issues / Areas of Focus for Grower Input:

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* 1. Domestic Demand & Supply Alignment

  • Need to increase domestic demand and improve supply–demand balance.
  • Consider establishing a workstream on production management to support stronger grower returns.
  • Explore actions to address industry‑wide oversupply.

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* 2. Grower Training & Social Media Activation

  • Support growers to engage effectively with consumers and communities through social media.
  • Consider Melons Australia‑facilitated short, flexible training modules to improve messaging quality.

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* 3. Levy Reform

  • Current levy: 0.4 cents/kg (¼ biosecurity, ¾ RD&E), collected federally and distributed to Plant Health Australia (biosecurity) and Hort Innovation (RD&E).
  • Input needed on potential reforms and how changes could improve outcomes for growers.

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* 4. Trade & Export Pathways

  • Continue diversification of export markets and progress new market access.
  • Advocate for reduced export costs and ensure decisions are supported by robust data.

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* 5. Marketing & Promotions

  • No marketing levy currently exists; industry feedback suggests marketing must be strengthened.
  • Consider practical promotional options:
    • Sporting festivals and events
    • Retail/supermarket activations
    • Social media campaigns
    • School education programs and student engagement initiatives

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* 6. Chemical, Pesticide & Treatment Pathways

  • Support industry understanding and adoption of new chemistries and treatment pathways.
  • Strengthen leadership and compliance in food safety and WHS through coordinated programs.

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* 7. Data & Consumer Insights

  • Improve collection, analysis and sharing of consumption and demographic data to guide industry decisions.

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* 8. Reducing Red Tape for Growers

  • Recognising and assessing the fact that compliance is becoming increasingly complex and costly for growers.
  • Significant need to reduce duplication and to rethink the what/why/how/who of the compliance realm.

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* 9. Please identify any other actions, activities or strategic priorities that should be considered for inclusion in the forward planning process.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. The Melons Australia Board will be assessing these results towards setting appropriate strategies, objective and actions to ensure our work programs meet the needs of industry.

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* 10. Please provide your contact details so we can reach out if any questions:

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