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.
7 November
The Australian Banana Growers’ Council continues to meet with key decision makers and politicians around the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s (DAFF) assessment of quarantine measures for bananas from the Philippines.
Recently, ABGC’s CEO Leanne Erakovic and Chair Leon Collins travelled to Parliament House in Canberra. Details about these meetings will be shared with ABGC Members – keep an eye on your inbox and on the Members’ Portal for more.
WA in-person information session
Following information sessions in Queensland and New South Wales, DAFF representatives are heading to Western Australia to provide information to growers about the assessment of alternate measures for bananas from the Philippines.
Location: Dalmacija Club, 341 Robinson St East Carnarvon, WA
Date: Wednesday 19 November 2025
Time: From 1:00pm AWST
If you are interested in attending, please register via the Humanitix event page (this is a free event).
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
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
DAFF invites you to join their in-person and virtual information sessions on the assessment of alternative measures for fresh Cavendish bananas from the Philippines.
At these sessions, they will explain the assessment process, how we will engage with you and answer any of your questions.
WHEN & WHERE:
In-person information sessions:
- November – Carnarvon, Western Australia
Location: Dalmacija Club, 341 Robinson St East Carnarvon, WA
Date: Wednesday 19 November 2025
Time: From 1:00pm AWST
- November – Carnarvon, Western Australia
If you are interested in attending, please register via the Humanitix event page (this is a free event).
(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
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.
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]
