THE Melons Australia team is growing, as is its engagement with and representation of industry.
For those that don't already know about the organisation, Melons Australia is the peak industry body for the melon industry in Australia.
So, what's on for 2022?
With Johnathon Davey continuing to lead the team as executive officer and industry advocate, Melons Australia has also appointed communications officer Courtney Archer.
Ms Archer will be working to develop and execute the melons communications strategy.
Joanna Embry will continue her work as biosecurity officer with the focus for 2022 an extension and outreach program.
Roadshow is coming
WORKING with Hort Innovation, Melons Australia has developed a regional roadshow and conference program that will span over the coming years.
The roadshow program will see the Melons Australia team, strategic partners, research providers and other interested parties in melon-growing regions at some stage in 2022.
Biosecurity in focus
FROM a biosecurity standpoint, Melons Australia will be implementing a national biosecurity extension project which aims to improve farm biosecurity practices, including hygiene and surveillance.
The fundamental objectives of this project are to:
- Assist growers to improve general biosecurity practices.
- Develop and provide a toolkit including the resources required to improve farm hygiene, biosecurity, and monitoring practices (eg. Footbaths, information on permitted disinfecting chemicals, visitor registers, etc.)
- Educate growers on conducting their own surveillance for high priority pests.
- Assist growers with installing specific improved biosecurity hygiene including signage/visitor registers/apps to trace visitors, etc.
Regional workshops planned
THE Melons Australia biosecurity officer will be conducting grower visits and organising regional workshops in growing regions throughout 2022.
For more information on these workshops make sure to follow the Facebook and Instagram pages and, visit its website where it will include regular updates.
Communications get upgraded
THIS year will also see a complete reform of the industry communications through the development of an extensive communications strategy, working to improve industry engagement and strengthen industry resilience and connectedness.
With several significant improvements on the horizon, Melons Australia wanted to share an update of what is newly now available to all members.
Recently, the organisation has added a news and noticeboard section to its website.
This newly created section allows all members to utilise this space and share and promote grower related content when needed.
An example of this could be machinery and equipment sales, grower articles, grower farming journeys, etc.
With a newsletter database of more than 1000, more than 200 followers on the Melons Australia industry Facebook page and the website available to the public, this is a great way for the industry to share content with a wider audience.
Get set for digital member platform
OVER the coming months, Melons Australia will be launching a new digital member platform for industry communications.
This new digital portal will hold secure information and resources, a "Community of Practice" facilitating regular discussion forums, including podcasts and other useful resources.
The platform will also include an "Ask the Expert" feature, connecting growers with participating researchers, reforming and innovating the way it communicates with industry and allowing growers across the nation to easily communicate with each other.
Melons Australia welcomes all input or feedback from melon growers into the Melons Australia work program.
Visit: www.melonsaustralia.org.au.
- Copy by Melons Australia.
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