2020 | Australian Banana Growers

Tom relishes opportunity to use science to help banana industry flourish

By Lea Coghlan Early this year, Tom Flanagan took up a new role as industry development officer with the NSW Department of Primary Industries. Australian Bananas Magazine spoke to Tom about the journey the has taken to arrive in the banana industry. Tom Flanagan’s arrival…

Australian Bananas Magazine Magazine Articles

Unlocking secrets to the suppression of Panama disease

By Tony Pattison, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Why is it that Panama disease shows up in some plants, blocks and farms and not others? The answer to this question may be in the soil, and what lives in it. What is living in…

Growers' e-Bulletin News & Media

Growers’ e-bulletin – 5 May, 2020

5 May, 2020ContentNew direction for employers of seasonal workersRemote communities passGrowers urged to take action on leaf spot nowNational Banana Day successReport to levies stakeholders 2018-19 New direction for employers of seasonal workersThe Queensland Government has introduced a new direction that commenced at 12:01 am today, Tuesday 5 May,…

Media Releases News & Media

New direction for employers of seasonal workers

The Queensland Government has introduced a new direction that commenced at 12:01 am on Tuesday 5, May 2020 relating to the agriculture sectors being able to access a seasonal workforce, while still meeting COVID-19 public health obligations. The main change is that Health Management Plans…

Media Releases News & Media

Premier’s new COVID farm worker announcement

The Queensland Government is introducing new requirements for non-local farm workers, whereby employers and others will be required to submit a health management plan (Health Plan) to Qld Health. – A Health Plan will soon be developed and released when Qld Health releases its new…

Australian Bananas Magazine Magazine Articles

Weedy plantations risk to fight against Bunchy Top Virus

Banana growers who don’t keep their weeds under control are threatening the fight to stop the spread of Bunchy Top (BT) disease. David Peasley, project manager for the National Bunchy Top Project, is urging growers to clean up their plantations after 26 of the 180 plantations…

Australian Bananas Magazine Magazine Articles

Crop Protection: The challenges facing Australian horticulture

Banana growers have recently been invited to take part in reviews into the future use of agrichemicals. Consultant Kevin Brodnaruk answers a series of questions to help explain the current climate in the agrichemical industry. Kevin has more than 30 years’ experience in the areas…