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[abgc_ebulletin_title title=”Are you Banana BMP ready?” tag_type=”h4″ show_hr=”false”]

When was the last time you updated your Banana BMP?

If you cannot remember, there are three important reasons why you should revisit your Banana Best Management Practices (BMP);

• Gain access to the BetterBunch app.
• Be eligible for free extension support and potentially grants.
• And help to paint an accurate and up to date picture of environmental practices across Australian banana farms, to help with future funding.

For further information contact Robert Mayers on 0447 000 203 or email robert@abgc.org.au.
Robert can run you through your Banana BMP training and then set you up with the BetterBunch app.

[abgc_ebulletin_title title=”The economic benefits of the BMP” tag_type=”h4″ show_hr=”true”]

Meantime, state government economists have found that Bartle Frere banana growers have achieved a bump in their profits simply by adopting best practice.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has released the first in a series of case studies which measured the economic impact of adopting the Banana BMP in the Wet Tropics.

The study – see the link below – showed implementing the BMP for a Cavendish banana grower in Bartle Frere resulted in a $30,0000 boost to his annual profits https://publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/best-management-practices-for-bananas/resource/88f4a423-7bea-4a5a-bd72-6dba16308178

[abgc_ebulletin_title title=”Latest Banana Magazine out soon!” tag_type=”h4″ show_hr=”true”]

Keep an eye out for the latest edition of the Australian Banana Magazine, arriving in mailboxes soon!

The Spring 2016 edition is packed full of interesting reading, including the latest innovative research and development giving Australian banana growers the best chance of continuing the fight against Panama Tropical race 4 disease.

If you are not a subscriber to the free magazine and would like to be, please email the ABGC at info@abgc.org.au. It will also be published on the Australian Banana Growers’ Association website.

[abgc_ebulletin_title title=”Calling all innovative thinkers!” tag_type=”h4″ show_hr=”true”]

Do you have an innovative, ‘out-of-the-box’ farming idea that you would like to trial on your banana farm? Well the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries would like to hear from you.

DAF is currently seeking growers’ input into innovative farm practices that can be trialled at the South Johnstone research station as part of the National Banana Development and Extension Project lead by Tegan Kukulies.

If you have an idea please contact Tegan via email tegan.kukulies@daf.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 4220 4152.

[abgc_ebulletin_title title=”Reward for rural women making a difference” tag_type=”h4″ show_hr=”true”]

If you know an inspiring woman making a difference in the rural sector, why not nominate her for the 2017 RIRDC Rural Women’s Award.

The program aims to honour women who aspire to lead positive change in rural industries and communities, offering $10,000 to winners to bring to life an idea that benefits rural Australia.

Entries for next year’s awards close in less than three weeks. Application forms can be downloaded from the RIRDC website www.rirdc.gov.au/rwa

[abgc_ebulletin_title title=”Quad bike safety survey” tag_type=”h4″ show_hr=”true”]

The Queensland Government is currently conducting a confidential survey designed to improve the safety of quad bikes.

Quad bikes are the biggest killer on Australian farms. In Queensland more than 70 people have died in the past 15 years and thousands more have been injured while using them.

To assist with the survey go to; https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/rideready/ride-readychallenge?115536_formid=115555

Submissions close October 23, 2016.

[abgc_ebulletin_title title=”Queensland conference on the future of agriculture” tag_type=”h4″ show_hr=”true”]

And, it’s less than two months until Queensland’s first conference focussing on future technology in agriculture and agricultural investment opportunities is held in Brisbane.

AgFutures 2016 Innovation and Investment conference will feature internationally renowned researchers and innovators demonstrating the latest agri-tech developments and applications including digital and data platforms, robotics, satellites and bio-technologies.

The two-day conference will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Entertainment Centre from November 22-23.

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