2026 | Australian Banana Growers

Meet our board director – Gary Fattore

01. What is your role within the industry (e.g. grower, COO, banana category manager)? I work in supply chain as a Category Manager for Costa Farms, with a focus on connecting production, operations and market outcomes across the supply chain. 02. What is your background and how did you…

Banana Imports Process Update

Diseases that could devastate the $1.3 billion Australian banana industry were present on every farm visited in the Philippines as part of an imports-related technical trip earlier this year. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has today released a report on their recent visit to the…

About the assessment – DAFF’s process

Information via the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website Why DAFF is conducting the assessmentDAFF states it must consider the Philippines’ request for alternative measures. This is due to Australia’s international obligations as members of the World Trade Organisation. Where possible, DAFF must develop…

Upcoming webinar: Banana Farming Systems Under Pressure – June 16, 2026

How do farming systems influence disease risk?The Queensland Department of Primary Industries invites growers, researchers, industry advisors and stakeholders to attend the next webinar in its Fusarium wilt TR4 knowledge-sharing series: Banana Systems Under Pressure.This webinar explores a critical question: How do farming systems influence…

What is a BIRA?

On 16 June, the federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) released their notice of intention to conduct the assessment as a Biosecurity Import Risk Analysis. This starts a 30-month timeframe to finalise the BIRA, though the clock may be paused in specific circumstances. DAFF…

Important updates in banana imports process

The federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has today released key information relating to their ongoing assessment into importing fresh Cavendish bananas from the Philippines. This includes: A high-level trip report on their technical visit to five farms in Davao del Norte, Bukidnon and Davao de Oro. …

News & Media

Overview

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 concernsAustralia is one of the few countries free from the most problematic banana diseases…