No Imports | Australian Banana Growers

Senate Estimates raises fresh questions over banana imports

Serious questions about the potential importation of bananas from the Philippines were raised at Senate Estimates on Tuesday, with concerns spanning biosecurity risks, food security and the potential cost of an incursion. LNP Senator for Queensland Susan McDonald questioned Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry representatives…

Stronger action on modern slavery in imported goods needed

The Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) has welcomed calls for stronger measures to prevent goods linked to modern slavery from entering Australia, saying consistent standards are essential for fair competition and responsible supply chains.Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter MP raised the issue in Federal…

Growers unite around key industry challenges

More than 70 banana growers and Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) affiliate members came together in Innisfail last week to discuss two of the most significant issues facing the industry: Panama disease Tropical Race 4 (Panama TR4) and the Australian Government’s review of biosecurity requirements…

Grower forum – TR4 and imports

Banana growers and affiliate members are invited to join ABGC for an important industry update and Q&A in Innisfail (in-person only) at 5.30pm on Wednesday 2nd September 2026.TR4 and the current biosecurity assessment for fresh banana imports from the Philippines are two of the biggest…

Banana imports remain on national agenda

The potential importation of fresh Cavendish bananas continues to attract attention in Federal Parliament, with Member for Kennedy Bob Katter tabling a motion that calls for greater protection of Australia’s agricultural sector.The motion argues that Australia’s farmers operate with high input costs and comparatively low…

IMPORTS CONCERNS HIGHLIGHTED IN PAPER FEEDBACK

ABGC was one of six stakeholders that provided feedback to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) on the issues paper.The issues paper closed for feedback on 16 July, and provided high-level background on the assessment, key plant/pest groups to be considered and steps going…

Read ABGC’s submission to the Imports Issues Paper

Read the submission in full Read the other stakeholder submissions The Australian Banana Growers’ Council has raised significant questions following the release of the Federal Government’s Issues Paper on banana imports last month. The federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is currently conducting a…