Australian Melon Conference 2026

Innovation in the field

Under clear blue skies and Ayr's hot sun, growers, seed companies and industry partners gathered to explore variety trials, emerging technologies and practical solutions for Australian growing conditions.

The field day showcased developments in plant breeding, crop protection and agricultural technology, giving growers the opportunity to connect with experts from across the industry and see innovations firsthand.

Variety trials at Ayr Research Station

Growing the future of Australian horticulture

A highlight of the field day was a visit to Home Hill State High School, where students showcased their work growing specialty melons in the school's state-of-the-art protected cropping facility.

Working alongside Queensland's Department of Primary Industries (DPI), with support from the local community and seed companies including Rijk Zwaan, students have been gaining hands-on experience in modern horticulture, from managing growing conditions and fertigation to monitoring plant development and fruit quality.

Among the varieties grown was Rijk Zwaan's Inthanon RZ, a premium, sweet-fleshed melon with potential for high-value export markets. Students followed the crop from seed to harvest, applying commercial growing techniques and exploring how production decisions influence fruit quality and sweetness.

The project demonstrates the value of collaboration between education and industry, giving young people practical experience to shape the future of Australian horticulture.

Indoor melons grown by students from the Home Hill State High School, with the Queensland DPI, together here with Rijk Zwaan.

Building a strong, sustainable industry

The Townsville conference brought the industry together to tackle some of its biggest challenges and explore opportunities for a strong, sustainable future.

Opening with a video address from the Hon Julie Collins MP, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the program encouraged open discussion about the pressures facing growers, from supply chain fragmentation and increasing compliance requirements to competition for retail shelf space and the balance between yield, quality and profitability.

A recurring theme was the importance of growing consumer demand, particularly by encouraging repeat purchases. While around six in ten Australian households purchase melons, delivering consistently high-quality fruit is essential to keeping consumers coming back.

Discussions explored opportunities to build on the category's strengths, including year-round production capability, natural sweetness and health benefits, and the potential for increased consumer marketing, greater convenience and stronger collaboration across the supply chain.

Beyond the formal program, the conference gave growers and industry partners a chance to reconnect, exchange experiences, and contribute their perspectives on the industry's future direction.

Rijk Zwaan: Breeding for Australian growers

For Rijk Zwaan, the event was an opportunity to connect directly with Australia's melon growers and share developments from its breeding programs. For Lachlan Grierson, Rijk Zwaan Client Manager and melon and watermelon crop specialist, it was also a valuable opportunity to hear firsthand about changing conditions, challenges and opportunities facing growers.

“It was great to catch up with familiar faces and have conversations with growers and the broader industry throughout the week. As a breeding company, we're continually investing in research and development to improve our varieties and help address these challenges. It's about delivering the yields and reliability growers need, while also producing melons with the sweetness, flavour and quality that keep consumers coming back.

“We know Australian melon and watermelon growers are producing fantastic fruit, and we want to help them get the best possible return for their efforts. That means investing not only in breeding, but also in initiatives like Veggies First that encourage consumers to choose and enjoy more fresh produce.”

Reflecting on the industry's ongoing challenges, Lachlan emphasised the importance of collaboration and continued innovation.

“There's no avoiding the challenges facing growers, and those challenges are constantly evolving. The emergence of new biosecurity threats is another reminder of that. We'll continue working alongside growers, listening to what they need and developing varieties that help them adapt, remain competitive and move the industry forward.”

The Australian Melon Conference and Field Day highlighted the strength of a shared commitment to a productive, profitable and resilient future for Australian melon growers.

Lachlan Grierson, Melon & Watermelon Crop Specialist for Rijk Zwaan Australia

Rijk Zwaan would like to thank the growers who were able to join throughout the week, as well as the Melons Australia team, Hort Innovation, Queensland DPI and Home Hill State High School, and everyone who helped bring the industry together in North Queensland.

Rijk Zwaan's Queenlsand team: Sam Kim, Nancy Jimenez, Eva Sarosi