AU: Southerners driving Top End melon expansion
Melon production has tripled in value over the past five years, with the NT industry generating nearly $64 million in the 2012/13 financial year, up from $18 million in 2008/09.
Dianne Fullelove, from the Australian Melons Association, says many interstate producers are heading north to extend their market supply window.
"We've had some new growers move up into the Northern Territory, when I say new, they're actually experienced growers from other states," she said.
"They want to be able to supply to their customers all year round, so they now grow in the Territory in that season, and then move back to their farms to grow for the remainder of the year.
"So it has expanded considerably in the last couple of years."
Ms Fullelove says while there's still room for growth within the Northern Territory sector, it will need to be managed carefully.
"With the current market demand, I think we need to be cautious of how far we expand too quickly," she said.
Audio: Industry development manager Dianne Fullelove says southern melon farmers are heading north to expand their growing seasons (ABC Rural)
"If we flood the market, prices will drop and that's not going to be good for any growers.
"The quality of the fruit has been great [this season], the prices have held up so far, we'll see how that goes as time goes on.
"But growers up there do need to get good prices for their fruit because of the growing cost, and the cost of transport to the southern markets."
While the allure of the north may be strong for many melon farmers, Ms Fullelove says it's not for everyone.
"It is a challenging environment. The plants grow well, but good growth also brings its own issues with disease and pests," she said.
"We love melons that grow very fast, but so do insects and the diseases they carry with them.
"So it's not for the faint-hearted, I'm quite sure."
Top End watermelons selling well
Plenty of watermelons from around Katherine and Mataranka are heading to the Sydney markets at the moment.
Wholesaler Norm Moses, from Murphy's Produce, says the quality is excellent.
"What's coming down at the moment is as good as any fruit you'd find in the world."
Mr Moses says the price has eased from last week. Top End watermelons are currently selling for between $1 a kilogram to $1.80 a kilogram.
Source: www.abc.net.au