Growers in the Australian tropics will benefit from protected cropping technologies that mitigate risks associated with climate variability and assist accessing new markets. The Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has been at the forefront of developing melon production systems using protected cropping in Australia. To highlight the opportunities, the Protected Cropping Team of researchers produced the video Specialty melons, a protected cropping opportunity for the tropics (youtube.com), which was made public at Hort Connections 2024 (Melbourne, 3-5 June 2024). This video shows how innovative methods can produce high-quality melons year-round, an opportunity for niche domestic and overseas markets where fruits attract high prices. The video displays the journey from crop management to marketing and will increase awareness in current and new growers using protected cropping.
For more information please contact:
Elio Jovicich, Program Leader Protected Cropping, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
email: elio.jovicich@daf.qld.gov.au
