Banana imports approved

The Queensland banana industry is very concerned about a Federal Government decision to allow bananas to be imported from The Philippines. The current Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister, Tim Mulherin, has stated that the decision is “ill advised and just plain wrong”.

Growcom (the peak horticultural organisation) agrees that as Queensland is responsible for the bulk of banana production, it will be the most affected by this decision. The main concern is that the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) may not have the resources to be able to protect the local industry from banana diseases like Moko, black Sigatoka and Freckle, under the terms of the Import Risk Analysis (IRA). The IRA is a key part of the decision with the concern by the industry and Growcom being in it’s detail, and whether AQIS will be able to meet the requirements.

There was a black Sigatoka outbreak around Tully in 2001, which resulted in a complete shutdown of the area. Controlling this outbreak included the destruction of infected plants and banana replacement programs. It took two years to bring under control and cost the industry millions of dollars.

The Senate has referred the importation of Cavendish bananas from the Philippines’ to the Standing Committee on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport, and the Queensland Department of Primary and Fisheries has lodged a submission against the importation. The industry awaits the outcome from this Committee.

An independent supermarket chain has recommended that their retailers should not sell imported Filipino bananas while local product is available. Customers can check with their retailer about the country of origin of any product, including bananas.