Australian melon industry tackles climate change
The project, worth a total of $1.42 million, will investigate the role of soil amendments, including biochar and compost to increase soil carbon and reduce nitrous oxide emissions in melon, banana and blueberry enterprises.
Australian Melon Association Chairman Mark Daunt said the industry is pleased to be involved in on-farm trials supporting research of such significance.
“We welcome the opportunity to take the lead with on-farm trials that have the potential to increase agricultural productivity as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.
“Australian melon growers produce $250 million in product annually,” Mr Daunt said. “Our industry is significant, as is our ability to effect positive change for the environment.”
Demonstration trials will be conducted on farm sites located in Cowra, New South Wales and Bundaberg, Queensland.
The Fruit Salad Project is part of a larger soils-based project supported by funding of $703,459 from the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture Action on the Ground program. This project links NSW Department of Primary Industries with Southern Cross University, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Queensland and with industry leaders.
Dr Georgina Kelly, Manager R&D - Soils with NSW DPI, said the projects were a great initiative working with a range of industry and research collaborators to tackle an important production and environmental issues.
AMA Chairman Mark Daunt agreed that the partnerships will be an important factor in the success of the project.
“By working together in this way, we can provide growers with the information they need, empowering them to maintain healthy and productive soils.”
“This will have significant long term benefits, both at the individual farm level and for the environment more broadly,” he said.
For more information:
Dianne Fullelove
Australian Melon Association Industry
Tel: +61 413 101 646
Email: idp@melonsaustralia.org.au