Time for talking melons
AUSTRALIA’S melon growers will be heading to northern Australia for the 2018 Australian Melon Conference and Field Day next month.
The Australian Melon Association (AMA) will host its biennial conference this September in Townsville.
The conference will bring together growers, researchers and commercial partners from across the industry to join in an innovative event, with reports on the latest melon research and an on-farm field day on farm at Ayr.
AMA chairman Jon Caleo said after a difficult year for the melon industry, the AMA hoped the practical nature of the conference would give growers a vital edge.
“We just want to give growers the chance to really hone their knowledge and skills and to expose them to new ideas and opportunities,” Mr Caleo said.
“We’ll be seeing demonstrations and inspecting variety trials up close with more than 4000 metres of melon varieties to choose from.
“It’s also a great chance for key industry stakeholders to engage with growers and find out what they’re looking for.”
The conference will also feature presentations by speakers covering such diverse fields as agronomy, varieties, pest control, food safety and melon quality.
“We hope the beautiful north and the closeness of Magnetic Island will provide an added incentive for growers to take the time out for a family holiday,” Mr Caleo said.
“We’re working hard to provide plenty of social opportunities so we’re looking forward to enjoying what the Townsville region has to offer beyond the farm gate.
“A feature of the conference will be the welcome event, with a ferry ride to beautiful Magnetic Island at sunset to enjoy drinks and dinner by the bay.”
The conference has already attracted strong interest from exhibitors, but the AMA said more were welcome.
The Australian Melon Association’s biennial conference will be held in Townsville and Ayr from September 17–20.