Press Release

FOR IMMIDIATE RELEASE

JANUARY 2011

MEDIA STATEMENT

Queensland’s primary producers have been devastated by the worst flooding in 36years, with 75% of the state affected. Amongst these are growers of Seedless Watermelons, whose harvests are being disrupted due to flood conditions in key farming areas including Bundaberg and Gatton. Currently Chinchilla is the only region still supplying good quality melons from Queensland.

As an association of Seedless Watermelon growers around the country, Select Melons Australia (SMA) is greatly concerned for the welfare of those in the affected areas, and is currently working to assist them at this difficult time, and over the days, weeks and months to come.

PRICE, QUALITY AND AVAILABILITY

Supply of Seedless Watermelon is however still in good supply thanks to areas such as Hillston and Cowra in Central NSW. These areas were affected earlier in the season but have now recovered to start harvest, thus ensuring constant availability and great tasting Seedless Watermelon throughout the remainder of the summer months through to April. This is the perfect opportunity for all consumers to still enjoy the great taste of this iconic Australian summer thirst quencher.

Quality Seedless Watermelon is still readily available in supermarkets and green grocers across the country and the SMA urges all shoppers to show their support to the flood affected farmers by continuing to purchase and enjoy them.

Efforts for the immediate future are being focused on assisting farmers in recovering fruit harvested from the remaining crops and providing alternative transport arrangements in order to continue to meet as much consumer demand as possible.