Australian Banana Growers’ Council represents the biosecurity interests of banana producers and the industry. They are members of Plant Health Australia and signatories to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed. Their responsibilities include:
- biosecurity planning and implementation at the national and farm levels
- liaising with federal and state governments on trade issues
- funding and supporting biosecurity initiatives
- participating in national committees and response efforts in an emergency.
Industry overview
Bananas are grown commercially in Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. There are currently about 13,000 hectares of bananas grown in Australia; 94 per cent of which are located in four north Queensland growing regions: Tully, Innisfail, Lakeland and the Atherton Tablelands.
Bananas are grown all year round with the two main varieties being Cavendish and Lady Finger. The Cavendish variety accounts for 95 per cent of production.
Biosecurity plans, manuals and resources
Biosecurity planning provides a mechanism for the banana industry, government and other relevant stakeholders to assess current biosecurity practices and future biosecurity needs. Planning identifies procedures that can be put in place to reduce the chance of pests reaching our borders or minimise the impact if a pest incursion occurs.
The Biosecurity Plan for the Banana Industry outlines key threats to the industry, risk mitigation plans, identification and categorisation of exotic pests and contingency plans. For a copy, please contact PHA on 02 6215 7700 or email biosecurity@phau.com.au
The Exotic Pest Identification and Surveillance Guide for Tropical Horticulture was developed with funding from the Australia Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.
Inspecting crops for signs of new pests is one way growers can protect Australia’s plant industries from exotic pests, as early detection and reporting improves the chances of successfully containing or eradicating new pests. The guide is in two sections:
• Biosecurity and surveillance
• Identification of key exotic pests.
Banana Best Management Practices: On-farm Biosecurity
The Banana Best Management Practices: On-farm Biosecurity manual (2017) was designed to help growers implement biosecurity practices. It was developed by the Australian Banana Growers Council and Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, with funding from the Hort Innovation Banana Fund project Fusarium wilt Tropical Race 4 - Biosecurity and Sustainable Solutions (BA14013).
More information about on-farm biosecurity for both plant and livestock producers is available from the Farm Biosecurity website.
Promotional item to support the exotic plant pest hotline 1800 084 881. For printed copies of this material, please contact PHA.
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