Growers' e-Bulletin | Australian Banana Growers

Celebrating Our Members: VIP Treatment at Banana Congress 2025

At this year’s Banana Congress, we’re shining the spotlight where it belongs – on our members! Your membership of ABGC powers the work we do every day to protect, promote, and progress the banana industry. From advocating on major issues to delivering hands-on grower support,…

Backing Growers with Policy Access: Insights from Commissioner Charles Burke

Earlier this week, ABGC members had a valuable opportunity to connect directly with Queensland’s Food Farmers’ Commissioner, Charles Burke, during a live webinar hosted by ABGC. The session was open to members’, demonstrating ABGC’s active role in giving growers direct access to policy influencers, ensuring…

Banana Freckle response update

Banana freckle in the Northern Territory is now entering a ‘transition to management’ phase which will be supported by official control to help prevent its further spread. This decision has been made by a national committee of affected parties, including government representatives from the Commonwealth, relevant states…

Strengthening Standards from the Ground Up: Freshcare CEO Tours FNQ Banana Region

The Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) is proud to welcome Jane Siebum, CEO of Freshcare, to Far North Queensland as part of a regional tour to meet banana growers and visit farms across the region. This important visit offers a chance for grower members and…

Minimum Wage Going Up 3.5% from 1 July 2025

The Fair Work Commission has announced that the National Minimum Wage and award wages will go up by 3.5%, starting from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2025. This change happens every year as part of the Commission’s Annual Wage Review,…

Disengaged PALM Workers: What’s Really Going On?

For banana growers who rely on PALM workers, it’s not just frustrating, it can be costly when workers disengage or leave the scheme early. But what’s driving this behaviour, and how can growers help create better outcomes for their businesses and workers? A team of…

Need Workers for Your Banana Farm? Here’s What You Need to Know

Finding good workers can be hard. Whether you need help for harvest, packing, or year-round jobs, there are a few programs that can help banana growers like you. These are backed by the Australian Government and can make a big difference in keeping your farm…

Protecting industry