Queensland Minister for Agriculture, Mark Furner (left), joined Australian Melon Association Chairman Mark Daunt for a rockmelon launch on the Brisbane Produce Market trading floor.

The North Queensland melon season was launched from the Brisbane Produce Market trading floor on Monday morning, with the aim of helping the rockmelon industry bounce back to life.

State Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, Mark Furner, was interviewed while tucking into some fresh rockmelon beside melon wholesalers and the Australian Melon Association’s Chairman, Mark Daunt.

Sales of Queensland rockmelons were severely impacted by the recent listeria outbreak in New South Wales and local growers and wholesalers are hoping the ministerial support will help the industry.

There were ample opportunities to taste the sweet aromatic flavours of fresh cut rockmelons at Alfred E Chave, Lind and Sons and BG Brisbane during the ministerial and media visit.

Rockmelon sales have been down by 50% and exports impacted by the listeria incident in the southern states.

Behind the scenes, the melon industry has invested in a research project to support rockmelon growers, to ensure their food safety systems are as effective and efficient as possible.