A recent visit to Coffs Harbour brought the Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) closer to over 20 growers in New South Wales. Kathryn Dryden (Membership and Advocacy) and Amy Spear (Communications) from ABGC met with growers during farm visits and a dinner, discussing the unique challenges and opportunities facing the region’s banana industry. The visit highlighted the diversity within Australia’s banana-growing regions and the common passion for family-run businesses that keep the industry thriving.

Kathryn, who is based in Far North Queensland and recently visited Carnarvon, WA at a Board meeting earlier this year, noted the differences across growing environments. “The NSW growing environment is so different from Queensland, which is different again from WA. We have so much diversity in our industry, not just in topography and climate, but also in markets, business models, and the varieties grown and sold,” she said. Despite these differences, nearly all growers share the common thread of being family-run businesses with a deep commitment to growing bananas.

Coffs Harbour, where Australia’s banana industry began, still carries a rich history and a resilient passion for banana farming. Kathryn was impressed by the growers’ dedication and the strong sense of community, where growers actively support one another. The region’s banana farms contribute a variety of products to the market, with Ducasse and Lady Finger being the main varieties, alongside some smaller Cavendish bananas that offer a distinct and delicious flavour.

Like other banana-growing regions, the major challenges for NSW growers include pests and diseases (biosecurity), rising production costs, and increasing regulatory requirements.

During their visit, Kathryn and Amy also collected valuable feedback from growers on how ABGC can better engage with and improve the industry, encouraging participation in the ongoing Australian Banana Growers Value Survey, which closes at 9 pm on Monday, October 14, 2024. There was significant interest in ABGC membership, and the council looks forward to expanding its membership and services in NSW, ensuring that growers’ voices are part of a unified effort to strengthen and secure the industry’s future.