Biosecurity Protection Levy
The Australian Banana Growers’ Council is currently preparing an official response as part of the Federal Government’s consultation process on the Biosecurity Protection Levy. This new levy, due to come into place on 1 July, 2024, will mean an additional cost for all levy-paying banana growers.
The ABGC does not support the introduction of the Biosecurity Protection Levy and firmly believes banana growers already make a significant contribution to biosecurity activities through existing levies. In addition, the ABGC’s submission will express concern over the inadequate consultation process and lack of transparency around how the funds will be spent.
The ABGC will ask Government to tax the main risk creators rather than banana growers, who already pay their fair share and, in many cases, are already financially stretched.
Growers are welcome to contact ABGC with their thoughts or submit their feedback directly to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry: https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-protection-levy A summary of the ABGC submission will be provided once complete.*
Northern NSW: Free Bunchy Top training
Join the ABGC’s Bunchy Top team, along with NSW DPI’s Steven Norman, for a free training event next month, focussed on Bunchy Top identification, control and tools. The afternoon kicks off at 12pm with a free BBQ lunch and drinks, and will also cover some plant variety training.
The event will be held on a farm at Coorabell (St Helena) on October 25 – for the exact address or more info, contact Bunchy Top Project Officer Carena Rose: carena@abgc.org.au or 0456 610 041.
TR4 Control Program
Tully Valley growers are urged to return their signed consent forms as soon as possible.
Thank you to those growers who have returned their forms and enabled surveillance to commence on their farms under the ABGC TR4 Control Program. Hear from Tully Valley grower and ABGC Chair, Leon Collins here.
Tablelands, Mareeba and Lakeland growers will receive correspondence from Biosecurity Queensland in the mail this week. Please ensure you’re checking the mailbox and return as soon as possible to approve surveillance on your property.
Thank you for your ongoing support in the control and containment Panama TR4. Early detection remains the most crucial factor in successful management of this disease, and on-farm surveillance is the cornerstone of this approach.
If you have any questions or queries, contact Program Manager, Geoff Wilson on 0418 644 068 or geoff@abgc.org.au
FNQ Growers: Free Nutrient Management Workshop
Secure your spot at ABGC’s next FREE Nutrient Management workshop on Friday 13th October.
Learn the basics of banana nutrition, improving your fertiliser use efficiency, and how to take and read soil and leaf tests.
Spaces are limited to small groups to provide tailored information and interactive discussion. RSVP your interest for this and future workshops with Molly Blake on 0419 602 864 or molly@abgc.org.au.
National Farmer Priorities Survey
TAKE THIS 7 MIN SURVEY FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN 1 OF 4 $500 VISA GIFT CARDS
The National Farmer Priorities Survey is run by the National Farmers’ Federation in partnership with Seftons and our member organisations (including ABGC, which is part of the Horticulture Council). The aim of the survey is to better understand your views so we can advocate more effectively on your behalf. All results are completely anonymous and data will only be made public in an anonymised form (unless your express permission is sought first). Take the survey.
Share your thoughts on carbon/biodiversity income diversification schemes
QFF and their project partners at the University of Southern Queensland are conducting a survey to gather information that will help us evaluate industry drivers, motivations, barriers, and willingness to participate in carbon/biodiversity income diversification schemes. Complete the survey here.
Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award and Acceleration Grant
Applications for the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award and Acceleration Grant are now open. If someone you know is making a difference in Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities, encourage them to apply!
Applications are open until Wednesday, 25 October 2023. Click here for more info or to apply.