A MAJOR agri-chemical company is backing the establishment of a melon research fund.
Bayer CropScience Australia has entered into a deal with the Australian Melon Association (AMA) to launch the Protecting Your Future fund.
Protecting Your Future will support research initiatives in the melon industry that will provide widespread benefits for all growers.
Bayer will donate part of the proceeds of the sale of products to the fund which will be administered by a partnership of the AMA and Bayer.
For each litre of BELT, Movento or Confidor Guard purchased from June 1, 2015 to May 31, 2016, Bayer will contribute $5 per litre to the fund.
In addition, Bayer will make a contribution based on support of Bayer Vegetable Seeds melon and watermelon varieties.
One of the first initiatives will support research into Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus (CGMMV).
AMA chairman Mark Daunt welcomed the new partnership and said Bayer CropScience Australia has long supported the melon industry but Protecting Your Future has taken the partnership another step closer.
"Bayer has been a sponsor of the melon industry for a number of years and this fund shows the commitment of a large multinational company to being part of the Australian melon industry" Mr Daunt said.
Bayer CropScience Australia business development manager Tim O'Grady has worked closely with AMA to develop the fund.
Mr O'Grady said that it was rewarding to see Protecting Your Future get off the ground.
"Bayer is keen to continue our support of the Australian melon industry and we hope that this is just the beginning of a strong partnership that supports the sustainable growth of the industry and relevant research initiatives," Mr O'Grady said.
Growers can access information about how they can commit to Protecting Your Future at www.melonsaustralia.org.au
