The Federal Government (DAFF) has announced a review of quarantine arrangements to allow fresh banana imports from the Philippines. The ABGC strongly opposes this proposal.
Key Risks
- Australia is one of the few countries free from the most problematic banana diseases – this disease-free status must be protected.
- ABGC is very concerned about the introduction of Moko and black Sigatoka.
- Almost safe is not safe enough: no quarantine system reduces risk to zero.
- History shows that once invasive pests arrive (e.g. fire ants, cane toads), eradication is almost impossible.
Government must protect the nation’s growers, workers, and regional communities by rejecting banana imports. Protecting Australia’s banana industry from exotic disease is critical to safeguarding food security, regional jobs, and consumer trust.
Our Position
- Australia does not need banana imports
Australian growers produce more than enough high-quality fruit to supply the entire domestic market, year-round. - Imports create unacceptable risks
Allowing bananas from overseas opens the door to exotic diseases that could devastate farms, families, and regional communities. - Our industry is a national powerhouse
The banana industry is worth $1.3 billion annually, supporting more than 540 growers and 18,000 jobs, and underpinning the nation’s food bowl. - Australia is disease-free
Unlike most countries, we remain free from many of the world’s most devastating banana diseases. This is a unique advantage we must protect. - Almost safe is not safe enough
There is no quarantine measure that reduces risk to zero. Once pests or diseases arrive, they are almost impossible to eradicate.
What’s Next in the Review Process
- On-ground assessment: Scheduled for late 2025 but delayed due to extreme weather in the Philippines. Officials will conduct a technical, science-based, now likely in early 2026 (but subject to change).
- Issues paper: Expected in the first half of 2026.
- Draft report: Late 2026 / early 2027.
ABGC’s Role
As the peak body for Australia’s banana industry, the Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) is leading a strong, coordinated response to this review. Our role is to ensure federal government decision-makers fully understand the risks and consequences of banana imports.
Here’s how we are working on your behalf:
- Direct engagement with government
We are liaising with the Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), providing clear, evidence-based arguments against imports. - Expert biosecurity input
ABGC is working with plant health specialists, scientists, and technical experts to highlight the very real threats posed by exotic diseases like Moko and Black Sigatoka. - Protecting growers and communities
Our advocacy is focused on safeguarding the livelihoods of more than 540 growers and their families and employees, as well as the regional towns and economies that rely on banana production. - National food security
Australian bananas are available year-round, without the need for imports. ABGC is making sure policymakers understand that introducing risk to this secure supply chain is unnecessary and irresponsible. - Raising awareness
We are ensuring that consumers, media, and community stakeholders understand what is at stake — that Australia’s unique disease-free status must be protected at all costs. - Ensuring industry input
As the review process unfolds, ABGC will keep growers informed, gather feedback, and make sure industry voices are represented at every stage of consultation.
Our mission is clear: to protect Australia’s banana industry, safeguard regional livelihoods, and preserve the trust consumers have in Australian bananas.
Stay Informed
ABGC will keep the industry updated as the review progresses. We are committed to doing everything possible to ensure this proposal does not proceed. ABGC Members will receive the latest information first. Visit the membership page or contact [email protected] to find out more.
Together, we can protect Australia’s bananas
Contact us at [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has DAFF announced this now?
DAFF has completed a preliminary review of the requests to inform the assessment and has now allocated the resources to progress this. This is why stakeholders are being notified. The request must be considered under obligations to the World Trade Organisation.
What are the alternative measures the Philippines have requested?
The Philippines have not provided specific details on proposed alternative measures. The Philippines have requested that DAFF consider its commercial production practices as part of these measures.
Would imported bananas have to meet the same ethical employment, OH&S and environmental standards?
DAFF notes that considerations of ethical employment, OH&S and environmental standards are outside the scope of this biosecurity assessment. In the context of Australia’s trade relations with the Philippines, matters relating to labour and workplace practices fall under the responsibility of other Government departments.
Who is attending the technical visit to the Philippines and does DAFF have control over where they visit (so they’re not just shown a ‘best of’)?
The Government notes that discussions with the Philippines throughout the assessment process are government-to-government. Therefore, other experts or ABGC representatives or not permitted on the technical visit.
DAFF states their team is well versed in reviewing and understanding horticultural export supply chains. Experienced risk assessors, auditors and a plant pathologist with extensive experience in surveillance and identification of tropical plant diseases, including in bananas, will make up the team.
DAFF will visit several plantations and packing houses that currently export Cavendish bananas, in multiple regions on Mindanao. DAFF has requested to see different companies and different scales of operation. DAFF acknowledges that there are variations in production practices and states that the visit is not the only source of information used to assess the risk.