Amy Spear | Australian Banana Growers

Expression of Interest

ExxoLift On‑Farm Trial Pilot (AS25201) Exoskeleton Trials for Safer and More Productive Horticulture Exxovantage®, in partnership with Hort Innovation Frontiers, is inviting growers to express their interest in joining a new on‑farm pilot project to trial ExxoLift™, a wearable assistive solution designed to reduce physical…

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…

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…

Growers’ e-bulletin – 4 June, 2026

Image: Australian Banana Growers’ Council chair, Leon Collins, and CEO, Leanne Erakovic, representing the industry at Hort Connections 2026.In this editionNo Imports fight continuesFNQ field walk – nutrient rate trialsKey findings in banana sales to 19 AprilFarewell Stewart LindsayProtecting workers and the industryCompliance unit in…

Strengthen your farm’s biosecurity this winter

Shed talks and key resourcesAs the cooler months settle in and the pace of daily work eases slightly, now is the ideal time to bring the team together for some shed talks. This is a great opportunity to strengthen your farm’s biosecurity by focusing on…