Growers’ e-bulletin – October 28 2020 | Australian Banana Growers

28 October, 2020

Content

Roadshows begin next week!
Managing TR4 into the future
Queensland Election
Growers needed for biosecurity video

Roadshows begin next week!

The National Banana Roadshow Series is happening in November, with Innisfail and Tully first off the mark next Thursday (Nov 5) and Friday (Nov 6) respectively. There are also dates for Mareeba, Coffs Harbour and Murwillumbah, with Carnarvon soon to be locked in.

The events are open to all commercial growers and will cover topics including banana varieties and innovation trials. It’s also a great chance to catch up with fellow growers, in a COVID safe environment.

For more details visit: https://bit.ly/31Ezhj1

RSVP is essential as numbers are limited.

QLD growers contact Shanara Veivers shanara.veivers@daf.qld.gov.au or phone/text 0400 870 731

NSW growers contact Tom Flanagan tom.flanagan@dpi.nsw.gov.au or phone/text 0437 654 633

Managing TR4 into the future

The Panama TR4 Management Board met in Far North Queensland recently to further discuss details about the transition to an industry-led control and containment program by 2023.

The board – made up of industry and government representatives – will establish a working group to assist with the implementation and ensure as smooth a change as possible.

Gathering face-to-face in banana country for the first time (due to COVID19), the board also met with more 36 growers and stakeholders at Innisfail last Monday (Oct 19). Growers heard presentations about current research and the TR4 Program more broadly, and had the chance to offer feedback and ask question.

For more, view the latest TR4 Management Board update here.

QLD Election: Responses to ABGC policy proposals

On behalf of industry, the ABGC recently delivered a range of key policy proposals to relevant Ministers, Shadow Ministers and MPs ahead of this weekend’s state election.

The summary, sent to Queensland members, and responses received so far can be found here.

Calling growers for interview in biosecurity videos

What is biosecurity? Why do you have it on your property? How does it work? How does it protect industry? Spare an hour to share your story!

Biosecurity Queensland’s Panama TR4 Program, in collaboration with ABGC, has commissioned a series of short videos to help educate industry, workforce and contractors about establishing and following biosecurity on banana properties.

The videos will present a series of interviews on location at the DAF South Johnstone Research Station, from the perspective of growers and industry specialists to cover various topics. The Program is seeking a diverse perspective from growers who are open to discussing what biosecurity means to you. Filming date is to be confirmed.

If you’re interested in taking part and would like to hear more detail, please contact the project manager directly: Jael Napper | 0476 850 037 | Jael.napper@daf.qld.gov.au

Contact Details
It is important that ABGC is advised if you know of growers who are not receiving these e-bulletins or the Australian Banana magazine. We may have out of date email or postal addresses for these growers. Please email any updated contact details to: info@abgc.org.au

Also, it is important for membership purposes that growers advise ABGC if they change trading name or their agent (wholesaler) or add one, and also to let their agent know.