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.
Contact: [email protected]
Latest News
DAFF is hosting two virtual information sessions to discuss the issues paper, BIRA process and technical visit report. Both sessions will cover the same content. Register here:
About the assessment – DAFF’s process
Why DAFF is considering this request and what it will involve.
What is a BIRA?
On 16 June, federal DAFF released their notice of intention to conduct the assessment as a Biosecurity Import Risk Analysis (BIRA).
Important updates in banana imports process
Federal DAFF has released key information relating to their ongoing assessment into importing fresh Cavendish bananas from the Philippines.
Bananas are the backbone
The potential importation of bananas from the Philippines was discussed during recent Senate Estimates hearings.
LEADING THE NO IMPORTS CHARGE: Paul Inderbitzen
The Banana Imports Committee has
been casting a watchful eye over the
imports space for more than twenty
years, having formed prior to the
early 2000s campaign.
Philippines visit must go beyond ‘best case’ farms
Australian banana growers are urging the Federal Government’s technical team to look beyond carefully managed farm visits.
Information from DAFF
The federal Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has compiled a list of Q&As relating to the imports risk analysis process, including those raised at in-person meetings late in 2025.
Visit their website to view the list.
If you’re not receiving DAFF updates, email: [email protected]
What you can do now
- Make sure you’re signed up to ABGC communications. Send an email to [email protected] if you’re not receiving e-bulletins, SMS updates or magazines.
- Become an ABGC Member. Make sure you’re part of the action and receiving exclusive updates on ABGC advocacy.
- Write to your MP. Growers are encouraged to send a letter to Members of Parliament to express their concerns. Download a template.
- Contribute to BIFF. From 1 January, the Banana Imports Committee began accepting voluntary contributions to the BIFF, at 0.5c per carton (half a cent).
Banana Imports Fighting Fund
As of 1 January, the Banana Imports Committee is accepting voluntary contributions to the BIFF (Banana Imports Fighting Fund) at 0.5c per kilogram (half a cent).
Funds go directly to marketing, advocacy, research and expertise for this cause.
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.
