Dear growers and banana industry partners,
You’ve hopefully been hearing about the 2025 Australian Banana Industry Congress for some time now, but I wanted to take this opportunity to formally extend an invitation to you.
Banana Congress will take place from 6-8 August at RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast.
It’s a fitting destination, not just because of the extended holiday potential and ‘banana central’ vibe, but also because the Gold Coast hosted our first Banana Congress 30 (!) years ago. It’s interesting to note that some of our key challenges remain the same as they were back in 1995, but I want to assure you that the 2025 event will reflect the banana industry as it stands now – diverse, dynamic and ready to embrace change.
Banana Congress is led by the Australian Banana Growers’ Council and guided by a committee made up of growers and industry representatives. To put it simply, this one is for us – it’s driven by industry, solely focussed on bananas and provides unrivalled access to latest research, innovation, grower ideas and more.
It’s increasingly rare to have so many people representing one commodity under one roof, though it’s fitting for our $600m industry. There will be important topics covered on stage, but I’ve no doubt there will be some equally cracking conversations away from the main event. I hope you can join me to make the most of it.
This year, the Congress team is again working to deliver a dynamic program that begins with the Scientific Symposium on Wednesday, followed by the plenary program on Thursday and Friday.
Among the keynote speakers is Professor Altus Viljoen, Stellenbosch University, who brings a global perspective to the Panama TR4 and varieties discussion.
Landline legend Pip Courtney will keep the show rolling as Congress MC and host a broad range of talent, including world champion athlete, doctor, television personality and mum, Jana Pittman and renowned farming succession expert John Moor (GrowMoor Biological). There’ll be a few scaley surprises in the mix, including reptile expert Billy Collett.
These engaging speakers are just the tip of the iceberg. The Program Committee is currently firming up panels and speakers covering compliance, agtech, sustainability and workforce issues.
Social events include the Banana Women’s Network luncheon, Banana Ball and even some opportunities to connect and get moving in the early morning for those who prefer to catch the sunrise rather than late nights.
So what do you need to know?
Early bird registration is now open, offering discounts for any interested attendee!
Grower members of the industry’s peak body, Australian Banana Growers’ Council, have access to 2x $500 registrations – a more than 50 per cent discount on standard prices designed to make the event even more accessible for growers.
If you want to find out about becoming an ABGC member, click here.
As in previous years, any grower (member or non-member) who registers before the Early Bird period closes will go in the draw to Win your way to Congress – covering registration, accomodation and up to $500 towards travel.
Partnership and exhibition opportunities are still available. A huge thank you to those who have already come on board to make this event possible. And a quick reminder for our banana scientific community too – abstracts are now open to share your work!
If you have questions about Congress, or even suggestions or ideas, please get in touch. This is your event.
I hope to see you on the Gold Coast in August.
Regards, Paul
