The Federal Government (DAFF) is conducting a Biosecurity Import Risk Analysis (BIRA) for fresh Cavendish bananas from the Philippines.

The ABGC strongly opposes banana imports due to the significant biosecurity risks created.

Key concerns

• 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.

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.

Context

This process began in 1995 when the Philippines first sought access to Australia for its Cavendish bananas. 

An Import Risk Analysis commenced in 2000 and was completed in 2008. This was the subject of the first ‘No Imports’ campaign. In 2009, the Federal Government published its policy determination which stated that the importation of bananas from the Philippines can be permitted subject to the Quarantine Act 1908 and the application of phytosanitary measures as specified in the Final import risk analysis report for the importation of Cavendish bananas from the Philippines.

The Philippines have not been able to meet these measures. 

In 2018, the Philippines requested Australia consider alternative measures. After some initial work was undertaken by DAFF, the public was notified of the assessment of alternate measures in September 2025. This reignited the current ‘No Imports’ campaign. 

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]