NT government launches $745,000 campaign to support Territory melon industry

The NT government has launched a new campaign to attract melon pickers to the Top End.

A LACK of fruit pickers coming from overseas has prompted the NT government to launch a $745,000 campaign to get 200 melon heads to relocate from interstate.

The campaign will hopefully ensure the Territory’s $70 million melon industry will find 200 pickers to work for five weeks between mid-April and mid-July.

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Prior to COVID-19 border closures, many melon pickers travelled from East Timor.

The June picking season is crucial, since the Territory’s melons fill a supply gap from other states and make sure Australians can buy melons year round.

Mother nature products. 23 January 2018

“We produce the best melons in Australia and we have to get them off our farms into grocery shops and supermarkets across Australia,” NT agribusiness minister Nicole Manison said.

“The size of the seasonal and overseas workforce in the Territory is down by about 73 per cent, and that is why we are stepping up to make sure this important Territory industry has the resources it needs this season,” Ms Manison said.

NT Farmers president Simon Smith and Melons Australia executive officer Jonathan Davey both welcomed the package, saying it would ensure 75,000 tonnes of melons are picked in coming months.

“It is critical that we attract and retain a skilled and mobile workforce,” Mr Smith said.

Originally published as NT government launches $745,000 campaign to support Territory melon industry