Recent feedback gathered through the ABGC Fuel, Fertiliser and Plastics (FFP) Pulse Check has provided valuable real-time insights into the challenges banana growers are currently facing. The survey has captured on-the-ground impacts of escalating fuel, fertiliser, and plastic costs, helping to inform ABGC’s discussions with industry stakeholders and government decisionmakers about the pressures affecting farm businesses.

35 members participated by responding to 3 separate single-answer SMS questions to give a picture of the on-ground real-time impacts of the current disruption in the Middle East on fuel, fertiliser, and plastic costs and supply.  

“While this is a small sample size and not a representative picture of our whole industry, it gives us a small amount of data to help tell the real story about how some growers are fairing in these tough times,” said Kathryn Dryden, ABGC’s Advocacy Manager. 

“Politicians have indicated that this kind of evidence is most important to help them get their messages across in parliamentary sittings,” she said. 

One grower noted that rising transport expenses are compounding the issue, highlighting concerns around increasing freight fuel levies.  

The financial impact is significant. When asked how increased fuel, fertiliser and plastic costs are affecting their business, most respondents rated the impact as either High or Critical. Many growers indicated that the current cost environment is placing considerable strain on profitability, cash flow and their ability to plan.  

The 35 responses received through this Pulse Check have provided valuable first-hand insights into the impacts of rising input costs on banana businesses. As participation grows, the data collected will become increasingly reliable and representative of the broader industry. ABGC encourages all members to take part in future Pulse Checks, as each response contributes to a stronger understanding of industry trends and helps ensure the experiences of growers are accurately captured and reflected.

The pulse check SMS will now shift focus to workforce challenges facing banana businesses, given it being a significant topic at Parliament right now. Members are encouraged to participate in the upcoming ‘Workforce Pulse Checks’, which will help ABGC better understand labour availability, recruitment and retention issues, and the ongoing reliance on seasonal and migrant workers.  

To thank growers for taking part, everyone who completes the full series of 4 Workforce Pulse Check SMS’s will go into the draw to win a gift voucher of their choice.  

We encourage all members to have their say, as every response helps strengthen ABGC’s advocacy and ensures the industry’s priorities are backed by real grower feedback. Contact [email protected] with any queries.