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]
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 below.
- 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).
Latest News
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.
Banana industry mobilises as import risk assessment continues
Australian banana growers are putting their money where their mouth is in 2026.
Inside the DAFF Review
DAFF’s current review of quarantine arrangements has the potential to reshape the future of the industry.
Technical visit to the Philippines – update
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s technical visit to the Philippines took placei in late March 2026.
The technical visit was initially scheduled for late 2025, but had to be delayed due to extreme weather. It is one of several avenues that inform the imports risk assessment.
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]
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.
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.
Find out about the imports committee
