Protecting Australia’s Banana Industry
The Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has announced a review of quarantine arrangements following a formal request from the Philippines to allow fresh banana imports into Australia.
The Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) strongly opposes this proposal. Imports are unnecessary and pose unacceptable risks to our growers, our industry, and our communities.
Latest News
A message from Paul Inderbitzin – Chair, Banana Imports Committee
The banana industry has a track record of uniting behind a cause – and the Banana Imports Committee is calling for your support in 2026.
From 1 January, we’ll be accepting voluntary contributions to the Banana Imports Fighting Fund at 0.5 cents per kilogram. We’ll keep this open for one year, until 31 December 2026.
In September, the Federal Government announced a review into quarantine measures to allow fresh banana imports from the Philippines into Australia.
Our position is clear: imports are unnecessary and pose an unacceptable risk to Australian growers.
Your voluntary contribution will help us execute our science-backed argument, through lobbying, targeted research, communications and more. Already our efforts are paying off, with public support from several high-profile politicians, widespread media coverage and the inclusion of a banana farming expert as part of a technical team visit to the Philippines.
21 November
National Agriculture Day
A note from Leanne Erakovic, ABGC CEO
National Agriculture Day offers a chance for all Australians to stand with the land – something we all hope extends well beyond 24 hours.
You help ensure that every one of the 5 million bananas consumed in this country each day is 100% local. Talk about Australian made.
The ample supply and biosecurity risks make the Federal Government’s decision to consider importing bananas a hard one to stomach. On top of the many day-to-day challenges of farming, this assessment essentially puts a question mark over our future.
Today, and every day, we stand with you. You’ll read more about our latest action on imports below.
And we’re calling on all Australians to back you by supporting this cause and buying locally grown – pretty easy, really, when it comes to bananas. Our aim is to keep it that way.
DAFF in Carnarvon
More than 20 growers from Australia’s western growing region took part in an in-person imports information session hosted by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry this week.
ABGC CEO Leanne Erakovic was also in attendance: “Once again, it was clear that industry is united in its concern – the risk is just far too great and, quite frankly, unnecessary,” she said. “Thank you to the growers who took the time to attend the session and put their comments forward.”
DAFF has posted notes from previous sessions in Queensland and New South Wales. They can be viewed here (scroll down to resources).
Growers can also sign up to receive latest news from DAFF by emailing: [email protected]
Key imports updates
DAFF has taken ABGC and grower feedback on board, and has agreed to include an expert on banana farming practices, as well as a tropical plant pathologist on the upcoming visit to the Philippines, pending logistics.
A planned technical visit to the Philippines later this year has been postponed due to severe weather resulting in a State of Emergency. It is now proposed for early 2026. The visit will be used to gather information on commercial production, pest management and export practices for Cavendish bananas.
ABGC Members can read more, and receive the latest information on imports and other industry developments, in the Members’ Portal.
WRITE TO YOUR MP
Growers are encouraged to use this letter template and send it to Members of Parliament to add even more weight to ABGC’s already intensive lobbying initiatives.
Past events | UPDATES
7 November: E-bulletin update
13-16 October: Information sessions held by DAFF. Read more here
8 October: National Banana Day. Read ABGC’s media release
24 September: ABGC industry meeting. Read the factsheets provided here
16 September: Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry makes the announcement. Read ABGC’s media release
INFORMATION FROM DAFF
From the Federal Government’s website:
DAFF are conducting an assessment of alternative measures for the importation of fresh Cavendish bananas from the Philippines for human consumption.
This is in response to the Philippines’ formal request for Australia to consider alternative measures to manage the main pathogens of concern identified in the 2008 import risk analysis for bananas from the Philippines.
The assessment will involve:
- a comprehensive scientific assessment for the 3 main pathogens of concern (Moko, black Sigatoka and banana freckle) and consideration of risk management measures alternative to those proposed in the 2008 import risk analysis
- a review of the 2008 import risk analysis to ensure the assessments of other pests are still appropriate and determine whether any new biosecurity risks have emerged since 2008
- consideration of the Philippines’ request for access for an additional cultivar ‘GCTCV-218’ (also known as ‘Formosana’), and an additional export province, Davao de Oro in the Davao Region or Region 11, that were not assessed in the 2008 import risk analysis.
In-person information sessions:
(Completed) Carnarvon, Western Australia Date: Wednesday 19 November 2025
Time: From 1:00pm AWST(Completed) Monday 13 October, 3:00pm to 4:30pm AEST, Brothers Leagues Club – Shamrock Room, Innisfail, Qld
(Completed) Tuesday 14 October, 1:00pm to 2:30pm AEST, Mareeba Leagues Club – Function Room, Mareeba, Qld
(Completed) Wednesday 15 October, 4:00pm to 6:30pm AEDT, Murwillumbah Services Club – Function Room, Murwillumbah, NSW
(Completed) Thursday 16 October, 2:30 – 4:00pm AEDT, Park Beach Bowls Club – Function Room, Coffs Harbour, NSW
Why This Matters
The review focuses on two serious banana diseases present in the Philippines — Moko and Black Sigatoka — which are not found in Australia. Allowing imports would open the door to these threats.
Our Position
- Australia does not need banana imports
Australian growers produce more than enough high-quality fruit to supply the entire domestic market, year-round. - Imports create unacceptable risks
Allowing bananas from overseas opens the door to exotic diseases that could devastate farms, families, and regional communities. - Our industry is a national powerhouse
The banana industry is worth $1.3 billion annually, supporting more than 540 growers and 18,000 jobs, and underpinning the nation’s food bowl. - Australia is disease-free
Unlike most countries, we remain free from many of the world’s most devastating banana diseases. This is a unique advantage we must protect. - Almost safe is not safe enough
There is no quarantine measure that reduces risk to zero. Once pests or diseases arrive, they are almost impossible to eradicate.
What’s Next in the Review Process
- Grower information meetings: DAFF will hold sessions in October in Northern Queensland and Northern NSW, followed by WA in November.
- On-ground assessment: Later this year, officials will conduct a technical, science-based visit to the Philippines.
- Issues paper: Expected in the first half of 2026.
Our Role
As the peak body for Australia’s banana industry, the Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) is leading a strong, coordinated response to this review. Our role is to ensure federal government decision-makers fully understand the risks and consequences of banana imports.
Here’s how we are working on your behalf:
- Direct engagement with government
We are liaising with the Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), providing clear, evidence-based arguments against imports. - Expert biosecurity input
ABGC is working with plant health specialists, scientists, and technical experts to highlight the very real threats posed by exotic diseases like Moko and Black Sigatoka. - Protecting growers and communities
Our advocacy is focused on safeguarding the livelihoods of more than 540 growers and their families and employees, as well as the regional towns and economies that rely on banana production. - National food security
Australian bananas are available year-round, without the need for imports. ABGC is making sure policymakers understand that introducing risk to this secure supply chain is unnecessary and irresponsible. - Raising awareness
We are ensuring that consumers, media, and community stakeholders understand what is at stake — that Australia’s unique disease-free status must be protected at all costs. - Ensuring industry input
As the review process unfolds, ABGC will keep growers informed, gather feedback, and make sure industry voices are represented at every stage of consultation.
Our mission is clear: to protect Australia’s banana industry, safeguard regional livelihoods, and preserve the trust consumers have in Australian bananas.
Stay Informed
ABGC will keep the industry updated as the review progresses. We are committed to doing everything possible to ensure this proposal does not proceed. ABGC Members will receive the latest information first. Visit the membership page or contact [email protected] to find out more.
Together, we can protect Australia’s bananas
Contact us at [email protected]
