Hello,
In the short time I’ve been ABGC CEO I have heard loud and clear from growers that for the first time in generations they are questioning how to remain profitable in the face of rising costs.
I am proud to be fighting for Australian growers to get a fair go, and pushing to secure the future of bananas in Australia.
ABGC is the only association that champions exclusively for the banana industry. This means all our time and resources are dedicated to getting traction on issues affecting Australian bananas.
As always, ABGC exists because of our members and I am thankful for your ongoing support.
I am actively representing growers to policy and decision-makers and I want your voice to be heard.
Tell me about your issues on ceo@abgc.org.au
Or, if you are in FNQ, come and speak with me at the next Cassowary Coast Banana Growers’ Association meeting on Thursday 13 April, Silkwood Hotel, 7pm.
Help your mate – Banana Congress
The recently released National Farmer Wellbeing Report commissioned by Norco in partnership with the National Farmers’ Federation, reports that nearly half of Australian farmers have felt depressed, with almost two thirds experiencing anxiety.
ABGC has invited John Harper, farmer, former shearer and founder of the depression-fighting community self-help program Mate Helping Mate to talk at Banana Congress. John will share what he has learnt and how he dealt with tough times on the farm and depression.
I encourage growers to come along to hear John, to catch up socially with their mates, and to listen from others in the great line up of speakers at this year’s Congress.Register here https://bananacongress.org.au/
Queensland Government commits $3.76m for Banana BMP
ABGC has a Best Management Practice (BMP) team based in Far North Queensland who are helping growers use available government funding to make on-farm improvements that contribute to better water quality running off farm.
ABGC’s BMP team can also provide free agronomic advice to help you develop a customised nutrient management plan for your farm that might help reduce your input costs.
To find out more, email the team on bmp@abgc.org.au
Strong start for supply chain project
Nationally, to address supply chain issues, ABGC is delivering a levy-funded project to develop and organise activities involving key supply chain stakeholders to build interest, excitement and an understanding of the Australian banana industry. Led by ABGC’s Supply Chain Manager, Andrew Burns, the ultimate aim is to increase the demand and consumption of Australian bananas.
Read the latest Supply Chain Report on the ABGC website: https://abgc.org.au/2023/02/28/back-to-school-2023-campaign-outcomes/
Andrew has also helped facilitated the distribution of the ABGC-produced banana handling and merchandise video to Metcash, who have since passed it onto their store teams nationwide. You can view a snapshot of the video by clicking here.
NSW NextGen kicks off in Coffs
ABGC’s Comms Officer, Amy Spear, recently joined NSW growers in Coffs Harbour for their first NextGen meeting centred around current and innovative farming practices. ABGC is an advocate of the important role the next generation of banana growers have in shaping the future of farming.
New phase for TR4
We have entered the last quarter of government leadership of the Panama TR4 biosecurity response in Far North Queensland, which commenced in 2015. The success of the program has given growers time to understand how to protect their farm from TR4. Starting at the farm gate, many growers have put in place effective on-farm biosecurity, and made changes to the movement of people and machinery coming onto and moving around their farms. The slow spread of TR4 is a credit to the efforts of Far North Queensland growers and the work of Biosecurity Queensland.
ABGC’s Program Manager, Geoff Wilson, will lead industry’s disease management from 1 July 2023. And, to assist with enforcement of legislation around TR4, from 1 July a permanent Biosecurity Officer will be based in Innisfail.
To learn more about ABGC’s leadership of the program from 1 July 2023 contact Geoff on geoff@abgc.org.au
Free weekly wholesale banana market price report
Did you know ABGC funds the Australian Weekly Wholesale Banana Market Price Report (supplied by Ausmarket) and makes it available to growers here https://abgc.org.au/weekly-wholesale-prices-report/