FAQs

Yes. Every fresh banana you buy in Australia is grown right here. No fresh bananas are imported to Australia. 

The vast majority of bananas are grown in Far North Queensland (94%). New South Wales and Western Australia account for 4% AND 2% respectively. A very small amount are still grown commercially in the Northern Territory (<1%).

Australian Bananas aren’t just delicious, they’re also extremely nutritious. In fact, if you sat down to design the perfect long-lasting energy snack, you’d be hard pressed to beat a banana. Because, unlike their super-processed, super-sugary competitors, bananas are bursting with goodness and nutrition to keep you full of energy all day long.

Bananas are packed with natural carbohydrates, vitamin B6 and potassium–a balanced blend of goodness that makes them ideal for restoring tired muscles and boosting bored brains. They’re also great for tuning up your nervous system by providing 15% of your daily B6 needs for nerve function. They, quite literally, make your body sing. It’s why you’ll often find elite athletes munching on a banana before, during, and after exercise. Read more on the Australian Bananas Website.

Please visit our friends at Australian Bananas for all things related to Making Your Body Sing!

Neither banana growers, nor the Australian Banana Growers’Council, sets the price you pay for bananas (unless you’re buying directly from a grower at a market!) A range of factors influence the price, including weather conditions and supply. In recent years, banana growers have faced long periods of low prices (often below the increasing cost of production).

A banana growers’ livelihood is the land they live and work on, so most are very passionate about caring for the environment. In particular, you can read more about the Banana BMP (Best Management Practice) and the work of our extension officers here.

The ABGC has also partnered with GreenCollar and the MAMS Group to collect and recycle on-farm plastics.

The Australian Banana Growers’ Council, on behalf of industry, is currently participating in a new project aimed at quantifying and reducing waste along the banana supply chain.

Read more about theaction plan here.

There are a range of other steps taken by growers to cut down on food waste, including donating to charities like Foodbank and investigating alternative uses. After all, no farmer wants to throw away produce they’ve spent months, if not years, growing.

That depends! It is true that Panama disease Tropical Race 4 poses a great threat to the Australian banana industry, and has been detected on farms in the Tully Valley.

However, the disease is currently contained to that area–and to the Northern Territory–thanks to the efforts of growers, government and community.

While devastating for the growers affected, there is no effect on overall Australian banana supply at this time. The disease does not affect the fruit. Find out more about Panama TR4 and how you can help here: www.panamatr4protect.com.au

• Growers employ a range of farming practices, from organic and regenerative through to controlled application of some chemicals.
• Where chemicals are used, they must adhere to strict guidelines set out by the APVMA.
• The bananas you buy at supermarkets and grocery stores are absolutely safe to eat.

A Queensland University of Technology developed genetically modified variety of Cavendish–QCAV-4 has been submitted to the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) and Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).

While regulatory approval by the OGTR and FSANZ would support the environmental and food safety of QCAV-4, QUT have advised that there are no plans to grow or sell QCAV-4 bananas to consumers in Australia at this time.

You can read more via QUT website here.

You can also view the ABGC’s FAQ on this topic here. 

The ABGC represents all banana growers and has always supported any research that could potentially contribute to ensuring a sustainable and robust future for our growers and wider industry. However, it is important to note that the Australian banana industry is strong. It is well and truly capable of meeting consumer demands without a GM variety, at this time.

You can buy banana plants from a number of places, including major hardware stores/nurseries. If you are looking to grow commercially we would highly recommend sourcing from a QBAN approved nursery.

In order to protect our Australian growers, please familiarise yourself with the signs of common pests and diseases, and with your biosecurity obligations.

You may see bits and suckers for sale on community marketplaces online but, due to the risk of spreading these diseases, we strongly recommend you avoid these.  

Our biosecurity page has some great information on this and can direct you to resources covering specific concerns like Panama TR4 and Bunchy Top.

Minor marks and scuffs on the peel shouldn’t affect the delicious fruit inside. Similarly, you may notice bananas are slightly less vibrant during the winter months but we can assure you, they still taste top notch!

If you have more of a concern, please reach out to the place where you bought it in the first instance or email ABGC via info@abgc.org.au and we can try to assist.