Quarantine action after NT freckle find

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SEPTEMBER 2013

IN THIS ISSUE

KEEPING GROWERS INFORMED

Quarantine and surveillance action is underway in the Northern Territory after the serious fungal disease Banana Freckle was found on Cavendish banana plants in two backyards near Darwin.

Both rural-residential properties, at Howard Springs, were quarantined with surveillance made on about 300 surrounding residential properties.

The NT’s Department of Primary Indus-try and Fisheries announced the find on August 26. While there are no commercial banana farms near the infected properties, Biosecurity Officers are making ongoing farm checks and have found no disease.

Initially thought to be the first detection of Banana Freckle on Cavendish banana plants in Australia, it is now known there was an infection in 2001 in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. These plants were destroyed.

Phyllosticta cavendishii is the fungal species which causes Banana Freckle disease on Cavendish. A closely related but less severe strain of the fungus, Phyllosticta macu-lata, causes minor disease on some other banana varieties in Australia.

Peak industry body the Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) said it supported the NT Government’s action. ABGC Chair-man Doug Phillips said the find reinforced the importance of biosecurity measures in protecting Australia’s banana industry.

“It is extremely important to ensure Aus-tralia’s banana industry is protected from disease incursions. Banana Freckle has proven to be a disease of concern overseas,” Mr Phillips said.

In other action, the Queensland Govern-ment said it will amend the Plant Protec-tion Act 1989 to ban banana fruit being brought into Queensland from the North-ern Territory. While there is no commercial sale of NT bananas into Queensland, the ban is aimed at stopping tourists or farmers bringing in bananas.

Under the terms of the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD), represen-tatives from State, Territory and Federal Governments and the ABGC have assem-bled to manage the detection. Mr Phillips said ABGC would continue to be involved in this process.

Banana Freckle reduces banana plant yield by damaging the leaves which yellow and

die. Visible signs are small spots or streaks which have a sandpaper feel and appear on both the leaves and fruit skins, affecting marketability.

The Northern Territory is also the only known Australian location to be infected with a more serious banana plant disease, the soil-borne fungus Panama Tropical Race 4 (TR4), also known as Fusarium wilt of banana.

The development of the Australian banana industry’s new five-year plan is underway with the start of consultation, including two workshops attended by more than 45 growers and industry partners.

The first draft of the new Strategic Invest-ment Plan (SIP) is expected to be ready in October. There will be further consultation before the plan goes to bananas’ Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) next February and then to the Horticulture Australia Limited Board.

The plan will set out how levy income, which currently totals about $5million annually, will be invested in Research and Development and marketing projects from 2014-15 through to 2018-19.

Consultant Jenny Margetts, from Plant & Food Research Australia, was engaged by HAL to undertake consultation and develop the plan. She said it would be a “working, living plan” adaptable during its life. At the two August workshops, growers, wholesalers, researchers and representa-

tives from HAL and peak industry body the Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) presented their views (see reports, Pages 2, 3 and 4).

In north Queensland, 31 attended an August 15 workshop at the South John-stone Research Station.

In northern New South Wales, 25 were at a workshop held at the Yamba Bowling Club on August 21. Some attended both meetings..

Banana Freckle surveillance: NT Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries’ Preparedness and Response coordinator Graham Schultz (left) checks plants with NT quarantine officer Vince Derrico.

Bananas on track for new industry plan

What the growers thought in Qld…Issues from North Qld

Q Business profitability (costs and returns)

Q Understanding what the consumer wants –appearance, taste, size

Q The increasing demand for smaller bananas

Q Quality issues and their impact Q Supply chain management issues Q Improved productivity – on farm and

in supply chain Q New varieties Q Possible impact of banana imports Q Changing profile of production areas Q Managing pest and diseases Q Managing biosecurity issues (TR4) Q Access to chemicals and other

options Q Access to labour Q Future access to researchers Q Environmental management Q Industry R&D extension.

Australia’s banana industry needs to be alert to potential threats to bananas’ position as the num-ber-one retail line, the North Queensland Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) workshop heard.

The South Johnstone workshop was attended by 31 industry representatives and discussed topics including the need to focus on delivering consumer wants, including shorter and tastier fruit.

There was also discussion of the impact of changing industry conditions, including the consolidations occurring in the supply chain and in grower numbers.

Key issues included increasing compe-tition and the increasing availability of other fruits on a year-round basis due to the trend towards imports. The workshop heard US imports were making stone fruits available on a 52-weeks-a-year basis, rather than Summer only.

There was also discussion on the impor-tance of Research and Development including the ongoing development of disease-resistant varieties and the need to retain access to industry researchers.

strategic plan

Top: Attendees at the North Queensland workshop held at the South Johnstone Research Station. Above: Consultant Jenny Margetts facilitated industry workshops at South Johnstone and Yamba.

Keep consumers in mind, Qld workshop hears

The workshop was good. I would have liked

to have seen a few more wholesalers there. I’d

like to see the Strategic Investment Plan process

give consideration to supply-chain issues and

take on board the views of wholesalers and the

experiences of other industries. Banana market-

ing is a major issue. It’s important to make sure

we have transparency around how levy funds

are used for marketing.” Paulo Di Carlo, grower,

IAC sub-committee member, Mirriwinni

I think there are three main import-

ant areas for the industry – Panama Race

4, banana marketing and the size of the

fruit. The three may even work in well

together if a disease-resistant variety can

be developed that has shorter fruit. This

year the retailers have really been focused

on shorter fruit – it’s not a problem to

supply it when there’s plenty of fruit

around but it’s more difficult when there’s

a shortage. It would be good to have a

variety that produces fruit in that medi-

um-size range.” Dennis Howe, grower,

WalkaminI’m finding the process a lot easier this time

than the last time, which was when the Strategic

Plan was created. We have the first plan to work

with and basically we’ve now got to modify

what’s there. I’d like to think the IAC has its finger

on the pulse enough to ensure we can also

respond to issues as they come along during

the life of the plan. I think the most import-

ant issue for growers is profitability – it’s the

overarching one from an industry perspective.

It doesn’t matter if you’re growing Cavendish or

Lady Fingers or whether you’re a Tropical or Sub

Tropical grower, you’ve got to get enough return

to keep on going. Other important issues are

keeping out Panama TR4, developing new resis-

tant varieties and the focus on growing shorter

fruit.” Rob Mayers, grower, Cassowary Coast

BGA President, IAC sub-committee member,

Bartle Frere

“The workshop heard US imports

were making stone fruits available on a 52-weeks-a-year basis, rather than

Summer only.”

If the industry is looking at diver-

sifying into other varieties we need to

make sure there’s going to be a place for

them in the market. The best way that

I can see to do that is to conduct some

R&D with customers to see if they would

be interested in buying other varieties.

Also, the dollar-per-kg difference in the

wholesale prices of Cavendish compared

with other varieties needs to be consid-

ered as the other varieties take longer

to produce and have a significantly

lower carton-to-bunch ratio.” Shannon

Paton, Lady Finger & Monkey Banana

grower, Palmerston

2 Australian Banana News | September 2013

In New South Wales, SIP workshop attendees discussed issues includ-ing farm profitability, fruit prices, the development of niche markets and how to encourage the next generation of growers.

Twenty-five growers, wholesalers, researchers and industry representatives attended the workshop to identify and discuss the issues and actions required.

Consultant Jenny Margetts asked the group to think about current constraints as well as future opportunities.

“If there’s an issue that’s constraining the development of your businesses, or of the industry, how do we work together as a group to try to alleviate those con-straints?” she asked. “How do we look at opportunities to progress the industry. What possible actions and solutions might we look at there?”

Growers discussed the declining number of NSW growers, competition from other production areas, concerns over regional differences in wholesale pricing and a trend in NSW for growers to diversify into other crops including blueberries, maca-damias and custard apples. Opportunities discussed included the development of niche markets and the potential for the further development of Sub Tropical Bananas branding and marketing.

strategic plan

What the growers thought in NSW…

NSW growers talk on industry future

It was good to hear from the growers in

far northern NSW talk about Panama Race 1.

I can see that Panama Race 1 and the threat

of Panama Race 4 are major concerns. They

have to be dealt with. It would be good to

see the industry investing in more research

into alternative varieties and suppressive

soils/micro nutrients (silicon). I’d also like to

see research into integrated pest manage-

ment of major pests such as the banana

weevil borer.” David Tate, Coffs Harbour

grower

I thought it was well organised and

the coordinator did a great job. There

were lots of interesting ideas proposed

and I’ll be looking forward to seeing the

draft report to see which of the ideas

can be progressed.” Phil Bicknell, Coffs

Harbour grower and Coffs & District

BGA Secretary

It’s good to see people getting

enthusiastic. I came along thinking it

might be a bit negative but I was glad

to hear the positive comments and to

see there was a fair bit of enthusiasm. It

was interesting to hear the diverse views

that people had. I think marketing is

always going to be a contentious topic

– whether to promote Sub Tropical as

well as generic bananas.” Jeff Larsson,

grower, Richmond BGA President,

Tullera

The meeting was well organised and

facilitated by Jenny Margetts who allowed

all points of view. There was very good

involvement by the growers in attendance.

The NSW banana industry faces issues that

set them apart from the national industry.

We produce a product of size and taste

that consumers want but we have been

unable to receive a price for our product

that would enable our industry to prosper

and attract new participants, particularly

young growers. I think the major prior-

ity required by the NSW industry is the

deployment via the national levy of a NSW

Industry Development Officer to drive

extension, communication, biosecurity

and marketing for NSW growers’ benefit.

There was robust discussion on the generic

marketing campaign, the importance of

new varieties and aggregation of small

producers’ production.” Stephen Spear,

Taylors Arm grower, ABGC Director, IAC

member

Growers from Far North and Mid North Coast NSW, along with other industry representatives, met at Yamba to talk about the industry’s future.

It’s good for the industry to sit

together and take in different points

of view. I’d like to see the continuation

of what’s been done so far in the Sub

Tropical branding work. It would be dis-

appointing to see the money that’s been

spent on it so far go to waste. I’d like to

see it go through to the marketing stage

and for some money to be spent on

that.” Tim Johnson, grower, Clothiers

Creek

Issues from NSW Q Extracting value for subtropical bananas Q Educating consumers Q Initiatives to drive market development Q Growth of supermarkets Q Declining grower numbers and

production Q Increasing production costs and

regulation Q Possible impact of banana imports Q Access to labour Q Impact of urbanisation, contest for land

usage Q Suitable variety for subtropics Q Access to chemicals and new pest &

disease management systems Q Transparency in the supply chain Q Supply chain management,

overproduction Q Future R&D $$ – matching and balance Q Succession planning Q Banana industry structure.

Trends to watch Q A greater interest in where food

comes from and connecting with the grower

Q Consumer awareness about environmental impacts of food production

Q Consumer acceptance of counter-seasonal imports in other fruit categories, such as cherries, citrus and grapes. > see Key retail trends, Page 4

September 2013 | Australian Banana News 3

industry news

In an Australian first, bananas are being sold from vending machines now being rolled out in Brisbane’s CBD.

Major banana growing and marketing group Mackays has attracted national and global interest for its roll out of Australia’s first banana vending machines.

The machines, called Banana Bars, have so far been installed in Brisbane’s CBD, taking fresh banana retailing into new locations, including those dominated by fast foods.

The first machine was installed in July in one of the CBD’s busiest food courts, Post Office Square. A further two machines were added to other Brisbane locations in September.

The Banana Bar launch achieved sub-stantial media coverage as well as global interest in a retailing concept which has previously been tried on only a limited basis, in Japan where vending machines sell a large range of goods.

Mackays Marketing Director Daniel MacKay said Mackays helped develop the Australian vending machine and oversaw the design.

“Delicate handling of the fruit is essential, it can’t be dropped even a short distance, so the machines has an elevator that collects the fruit and delivers it to the purchaser,” he said.

The machines keep the fruit cooled to 12 degrees Celsius and are stocked with

Mackay’s Smart Bananas, a trademarked brand name for a smaller Cavendish banana grown at Bolinda, one of their Tully farms. The bananas are wrapped in a special plastic that extends shelf life and sell for $2 for a three pack or $3 for five.

Mr MacKay said the first Banana Bar was achieving good sales. “We’re meeting our expectations and the numbers are where we’d hoped they’d be,” he said.

“We’re taking it ‘slowly slowly’ at the moment and keeping the roll out and ser-vicing of the vending machines in-house so we can be sure we’re getting the best quality banana to consumers.

“We’ve had a lot of people very interested in the concept and inquiring about it but we’re staying focused on doing a good job and making sure people are happy with it.”

Fruit is brought from Mackays Brisbane warehouse for the machines which are checked daily, replenished every second day and completely restocked every week. The machines also stock Mt Warn-ing Springwater, bottled still and sparkling water supplied by a family-owned com-pany in New South Wales’ Tweed district.

Mr MacKay said it was hoped to expand the number of machines, initially in Brisbane and potentially other cities. “We’re looking to bigger things for the future. One thing we’d like is to have the machines in schools and universities around Brisbane to give students a conve-nient way to access a fresh snack.”

The first vending machine in the Post Office Square food court.

New vending machines bent on healthy snacks

Changes emerging in Australian retailing and a report on the five key trends from market research group Nielsen were presented at the SIP workshops.

Nielsen said the trends likely to come into play over the next five years were:

l Economising – consumers becoming more concerned with cost and switching to cheaper brands. Promotions becoming a more important part of shopping

l The new value equation – consumers weighing up not only the cost of a product but the benefit it provides, including the emotional benefits gained from products e.g. coffee

l Everyday shopping – Consumers shopping more frequently for food. Fresh produce becoming more important with international trends showing up to 50 per cent of retail space in supermarkets now being dedicated to fresh foods such as fruit, vegetables, meats, breads and fresh prepared meals

l Proximity – More smaller format stores in more convenient locations to accommodate convenient, everyday shopping. For example. Aldi has gained significant market share (11 per cent of grocery spend) by using this strategy

l Digital shopping – Online shopping with more groceries bought over the Internet. By 2030, this could represent 8per cent of grocery retail trade.

Top trends set to change food retailing

4 Australian Banana News | September 2013

industry news

Regional growing reports

Western Australia suffers heat damage

At its recent Board meeting, the Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) reviewed regional growing reports for the three months to the end of August.

Fruit production levels have been good in Far North Queensland follow-ing warmer-than-usual Winter conditions. In other banana-producing regions, production has been sharply lower due to the adverse weather conditions experienced during Summer which damaged banana plants and fruit. Weather conditions are currently favourable in most growing regions.

Extremely low production levels due to the heat damage caused to fruit in Feb-ruary. Production has improved slightly in recent weeks. The results of the heat damage is still evident with some choked bunches coming through. Irrigation from

the Gascoyne River has been difficult due to salinity levels. In northern WA there were new plantings earlier in the year in Broome and Kununurra.(from Carnarvon grower, Michael Nixon)

Bunches cut during the warmer Winter conditions at Silkwood in north Queensland.

Matt Colb packs Ducasse at McCuddens Bananas on the NSW Mid North Coast. The farm was not hit by this year’s storms.

Carnarvon grower John Kearney with heat-damaged fruit earlier this year.

Queensland production up

New South Wales improving

In the Cassowary Coast region (including Innisfail and Tully) there have been warmer-than-usual con-ditions in August. There has been increased fruit production with most farms busy.

There was wet weather in June and July and some cold mornings of 10 to 11 degrees Celsius resulting in some under-peel chill, mainly on unbagged bunches or bottom hands of bagged bunches. Some of this fruit will be cut in the next two months.

Growing conditions are improving for the months ahead but increased Winter production may mean the usual Spring flush of fruit could be moderated.

Yellow Sigatoka (Leaf Spot) has been well under control.

The Tablelands region has experienced cooler weather but has been free of frosts.

Lakeland grower Paul Inderbitzin reported there have been good growing condi-tions with clear weather and daytime temperatures of up to 27-30 degrees Celsius. On a few cooler days, night-time temperatures dipped to about 12 degrees.

Fruit quality has been good with bright fruit and minimal underpeel chill. Point scarring is a potential issue this time of year and it has been important to keep wind off the bunches by bagging on time and, when deleafing or bell injecting, ensuring bunches are being kept clear. Production levels are expected to hold.(from ABGC North Queensland directors and Lakeland grower Paul Inderbitzin)

On the Far North Coast, there has been extremely low production due to a cloudy, wet and cooler Summer and fruit loss caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald in Jan-uary and storms from an East Coast Low in February.

Production is expected to be spread over a longer period than usual – from Spring through to Autumn. This will be an advan-tage for the production of Lady Finger bananas as it will assist in reducing the supply shortages which have occurred over the past few months.

There were clear days and warm daytime conditions in August, following overcast and showery weather in June and July. Daytime temperatures in August reached

about 26 degrees Celsius. The warmer August conditions follow on from the warmer overnight temperatures experi-enced in July of 10 to 14 degrees, above the normal range of 0 to 14 degrees. Fruit quality is good.

On the Mid North Coast, production levels are also extremely low due to low-er-than-average temperatures through-out Summer and damage from ex-Tropi-cal Cyclone Oswald in January and storms in February.

Weather conditions have been good over the past three months with some above-average temperatures. There has been a lack of the usual Winter frosts and conditions have been dry.(from ABGC NSW directors)

September 2013 | Australian Banana News 5

industry news

The banana industry’s most pres-tigious professional development scholarship – a prize valued at up to $10,000 – is now open for 2013 applications.

The Mort Johnston Professional Develop-ment Scholarship is now seeking its sev-enth scholar – a total of six scholarships having already been awarded since the prize was established in 2008 by the Aus-tralian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC).

The scholarship honours the memory of Tully grower and industry innovator Mort Johnston. It offers financial assistance for a wide-range of professional development opportunities that assist the banana industry.

ABGC Chief Executive Officer Jim Pekin has encouraged applications from banana industry participants wanting assistance with innovative projects.

Past winners include Queensland Depart-ment of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Development Horticulturist Naomi King who in 2012 researched Panama Tropical Race 4 tolerant banana varieties during a study tour to Taiwan and China. Other scholars have researched banana trans-port, banana freckle disease, soil health, communications and on-farm biosecurity. This year, one scholarship will be awarded.

The scholarship supports endeavour in any of the following areas and that align with the ABGC’s goals: farming practices,

environmental management, scientific research, promotion and marketing, sup-ply chain, education, industry policy.

Those wishing to nominate have until September 21 to complete the applica-tion form which can be found at the proj-ects and resources section of the ABGC website at www.abgc.org.au.

Applications will be considered by a selection panel which includes represen-tatives of the Johnston family, the ABGC and a selected industry company or organisation.

Industry offers $10,000 scholarship

2012 scholarship winner Naomi King accepts her award from one of Mort Johnston’s sons, Tully grower Paul Johnston.

Briefs$25,000-grant extensionSouth-east Queensland growers affected by January’s ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald now have until November 29 to apply for $25,000 non-repayable grants.

The Queensland Government extended the deadline from August 30. Industry Recovery Officers (IROs) are available to help with applications. For more infor-mation call Margie Milgate: 0429 000 179 (areas including Gympie, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast) or Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers: 07 4153 3007 (Bundaberg and Fraser Coast) or go to the website www.qraa.qld.gov.au.

Consumption upNational banana consumption has lifted 13.5 per cent since the start of the national levy system four years ago. The latest levy figures for the 2013 financial year show consumption of 15.1 kilograms per person, up from 13.3 kilograms in the 2009 financial year. The increase was achieved despite the industry’s worst cyclone, Tropical Cyclone Yasi, in 2011.

Ten on study tour A banana industry study tour of China and the Philippines began on September 4. Ten growers and industry partners took part in the ten-day tour of the Asia Fruit Logistica trade show, research facilities

and banana plantations. The tour was organised by ABGC and is both self-funded and subsidised by a HAL-funded project. Participants are required to share information on their return.

Granules approvedCrop protection company Crop Care has announced it has gained registration for its controlled-release pest granules, tri-alled on north Queensland banana farms for more than six years. The Australian Pes-ticide and Veterinary Medicine Authority (APVMA) has approved registration of the product, the imidacloprid-based suSCon Yellow. Applications include control of cane grub, weevil borer, rust thrip and reduction of mite flaring.

6 Australian Banana News | September 2013

BMP gets a test drive in NQ

Mirriwinni grower Paulo Di Carlo giving the BMP a solid workout.

The BMP was launched at the Banana Industry Congress in May and since then growers from all regions have been able to register on the ABGC website (www.abgc.org.au) for a run through of the online BMP.

In north Queensland, Queensland Depart-ment of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Development Horticulturist Naomi King and Senior Development Horticulturist Stewart Lindsay have been showing growers the new system.

The test run has allowed growers to pro-vide feedback before the BMP goes live on the website.

The BMP comes in two formats – a printed version, which can be down-loaded from the website, and the online version. The latter allows growers to assess their farm practices, get instant recom-mendations and automatically set up a management plan for future activities.

Ms King said: “Growers are really enthusi-astic about using the BMP and particularly the online version because it allows them

to enter information about their farms, rate their current practices and easily get straight forward information about improvements they can make.

“We are receiving lots of positive feedback and growers are finding it logical and easy to use. It’s effective for both smaller and larger farming operations with the larger farms finding it a useful way to collate and share information within their business.”

our regions : tropical

Growers rate the BMPIt makes you think long term which is great

because your farm is a work in progress. It gives

you an insight into where your farm manage-

ment practices are and how to improve, along

with comparing with other farms within the

growing region. I think farmers will use it as a

main tool for their environmental management

plans. I’ve gone back a few times and have had

a look at the suggestions on what best practices

are available.” Paulo Di Carlo, grower, Mirriwinni

My son James has been using the BMP

and we’re finding it very worthwhile. It really

makes you focus on what practices you have in

place – it helps us to see which areas we’re doing

well in and to see if there’s areas where we can

do a little bit more. The chain stores are getting

far more environmentally conscious so it will

help growers assess the practices which relate

to those requirements.” Dennis Howe, grower,

Walkamin

The BMP has helped me set a more pro-

ductive direction for our business. The program

is easy to use and will allow us to prioritise our

progress and make our environmental-practices

transition much more manageable.” James

Howe, grower, Walkamin

it’s really interesting to be able to see how

your farm practices compare to those in the

guidelines. A lot of growers probably have an

idea of what they could improve on, but this

gives you all the information – you just have to

click on the links and it takes you straight to it.

It’s good to be able to get some other ideas on

improving practices. I’ll definitely be using it.”

Paul Johnston, grower, ABGC Director, TullyMeeting NoticeAnnual meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) has been set for Tuesday November 26 at the South Johnstone Research Centre. Additional information will be provided to members in the coming weeks.

Grower meetingsCassowary Coast Banana Growers’ AssociationThursday September 12, 7pm. The association meets on the second Thursday of each month at either the El Arish Tavern or South Johnstone Research Station. For more information contact Robert Mayers on 0427 676 287 or email: Rmayers@bigpond.com

Mareeba Banana Growers’ AssociationWednesday, October 9, 6pm, Mareeba RSL. The association meets on the second Wednesday of every second month. For more information, contact Russell Drury on 0428 989 688 or email: druryfarming@hotmail.com

September 2013 | Australian Banana News 7

The Australian Banana Grow-ers’ Council (ABGC) and north Queensland growers have sup-ported Skilling Cassowary Coast’s August event at Tully.

More than 800 primary and high school students attended the Tully Skills Day Out in August to learn about local career options.

The Australian Banana Growers’ Associa-tion was an event sponsor and Directors Paul Johnston and Adrian Crema and Yellow Sigatoka Liaison Officer Louis Lardi were at the event, giving attendees a hands-on demonstration of banana packing as well as information about the industry.

The skills day will be held again next year, on August 6.

Upskilling opportunitiesTraining Queensland has advised that they can assist growers to upskill their businesses.

Cindy Perry said advice on services and funding available included:

l help with identifying the workforce skills you need now and in the future

l advice on training qualifications and providers to develop employee skills

l advice on funding available to assist with the costs of training your staff and you

l ongoing advice and support throughout the completion of training qualifications.

For information, email Regional Planning Officer cindy.perry@dete.qld.gov.au or phone 07 4042 5387.

our regions : tropical

Skills check: Tully grower Paul Johnston helps to pack a carton.

Banana support for local skills day

Tully Show triumphs for growersGrowers from several north Queensland growing regions have had success at July’s Tully Show banana exhibit.

The Kennedy District’s Jeff Dickinson was named Most Successful Exhibitor and also won the Steward’s Choice award for his wins in classes for Heaviest Plant Bunch, Champion Pair of Ratoon Bunches, Best Three Clusters and Open Heaviest Plant Bunch.

Di Carlos Bananas was the second Most Successful Exhibitor with wins including Champion Bunch. Sellars Bananas won the Champion Plant Bunch and had the Tully District’s Champion Cluster Car-ton Extra Large. Other section winners included Mackay’s South Davidson and Bolinda Estates, the Flegler Group, Jason Campbell and Shirley Ryan and Lady Finger grower Shannon Paton.

Top right: Tully grower Paul Johnston (blue shirt) unwraps bananas for the weigh-in.

Near right: Watching the weigh in are Anna-Louise and Grahame Celledoni of Mourilyan with Tully’s Cameron Mackay.

Centre right: At the judges’ table, Naomi Brownrigg of Sellars Bananas and Queensland DAFF’s Naomi King.

Far right: Lindsay Horniblow from EE Muir and Sons shares a joke with Silkwood grower Steve Lizzio. All photos courtesy of The Tully Times.

8 Australian Banana News | September 2013

A decision to hold a quarterly meeting at Woolgoolga has been successful for the Coffs Harbour & District Banana Growers’ Associ-ation with more than 20 growers attending the August meeting.

About one-third of growers attending were from the Woolgoolga area and the meeting heard another meeting would be considered for the town at some time in the future.

The next meeting will return to Coffs Harbour with the Annual General Meeting and general meeting to be held on November 6.

Members of the banana industry’s plant protection program have visited Coffs Harbour grower David Tate’s farm for talks on potential new approaches to Banana Weevil Borer control.

Banana Plant Protection Program (BPPP) leadership team members David Peasley, from Farrants Hill near Murwillumbah, and Richard Piper, from north Queensland, made a fact-finding visit to the farm in August. The two BPPP team members were accompanied by NSW Department of Primary Industries entomologist Craig Maddox, from Wollongbar.

The trip coincided with the BPPP team’s visit to Duranbah to assess the program’s trial block where new banana varieties are being assessed and the Yamba Strategic Investment Planning workshop, also attended by Mr Peasley and Mr Tate.

Others attending were Coffs & District Banana Growers’ Association president Ron Gray and growers Richard Fenner, Dylan Walsh and Joshua Tate.

Mr Peasley said the BPPP wanted to find out more about Sub Tropical growers’

concerns and gain advice from them on the priorities for pest and disease research.

Speaking after the visit, David Tate said he stem injects the insecticide fipronil, rather than neonicotinoids such as imidacloprid, to control borer and is investigating future controls to guard against the possibility of borers developing resistance to chem-ical treatments or of chemicals being removed from the market place. He said cutting down and splitting old stools was an option, but deprived follower suckers of nutrient.

He has already developed his own trap, based on a pheromone system, and would like to see further research into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.

“My major problem, and the problem of many of the farms around here, is that the beetle (weevil borer) is my biggest pest control expense,” Mr Tate said.

“I’m looking at a multi-faceted approach. I’d like to see the development of biolog-ical components of an IPM strategy for controlling weevil borer. The advantage

for the banana industry is that we could take the front foot on clean and green farming practices.”

Banana Weevil Borer occurs throughout coastal Queensland and New South Wales and damages the corm, making the plant more likely to roll out, particularly in windy weather.

Growers will soon be able to taste test some of the new banana vari-eties being grown at the banana industry’s subtropical trial block at Duranbah.

Banana Plant Protection Program (BPPP) leadership team member David Peasley said a field day where growers could sam-ple fruit was planned for around October.

“There will be some good bunches cutting and we will have some interesting new varieties for growers to taste test,” Mr Peasley said.

The date for the field day will depend on the ripening pattern of as many varieties as possible.

Growers at NSW district grower meetings held in August have expressed interest in attending the day. Those furtherest from the trials, in Coffs Harbour and surround-ing areas, have expressed interest in hiring a coach so as many growers as possible could attend the event.

Growers at both the Coffs & District Banana Growers’ Association meeting and the Nambucca & District meetings expressed interest in attending the event.

The field day will be the second held for growers at Duranbah this year with an event also held in May.

Coffs grower David Tate is interested in Integrated Pest Management strategies.

A bunch at the Duranbah block

Plant protection team in Coffs for talks on Borer

Taste test soon for new varieties at Duranbah

Woolgoolga success

our regions : sub tropical

September 2013 | Australian Banana News 9

our regions : subtropical

Subtropical growers have thanked communications consultant Neville Sloss for his work with the indus-try following Neville’s move from northern New South Wales to South Australia.

The interstate move means Neville has ended his regular work with subtropi-cal growers, although he will continue his work with the National Bunchy Top Project.

Neville began his association with the subtropical banana industry through a Horticulture Australia Ltd project.

In 2009 he began to develop commu-nications among subtropical growers, starting first with a communications audit of their needs, then developing the program.

“I was particularly proud of the subtropical industry newsletter and the range of use-ful and interesting information we were able to share among growers and other members of the industry. I am pleased to see that it has now grown to become the Australian Banana News,” Neville said.

Neville also produced a series of Best Manage-ment Practice Fact Sheets on topics of importance to growers, as well as being a regular attendee of asso-ciation meetings and reporter on events and projects for industry communications.

“The subtropical growers are a great group of people – thanks to all for making my role easier with your cooperation and participation in the communications activities over the years. Communications are really important, but I do see the need for more subtropical growers to embrace subtropical marketing to help the indus-try survive and grow.”

Subtropical growers have expressed their thanks to Neville for his work. An announcement will be made on a replacement who will take on Neville’s role.

Nambucca District

Tuesday 5 November at Macksville RSL, 6pm, followed by subsidised dinner. Details: Tony Styles on 0402 211227

Grower meetings are held quarterly – next meetings in February.

Coffs & District

Wednesday 6 November at Club Coffs, starts with subsidised dinner at 6pm. AGM at 6.45pm sharp followed by general meeting. Details: Michelle on 02 6652 5633

Tweed/Brunswick District

Thursday 7 November at Murwillumbah Golf Club. 5.30pm meeting, followed by subsidised dinner. Details: Robert Pierce on 07 5590 9812.

Nambucca team re-elected

Re-elected: Vicki McCudden

The Annual General Meeting of the Nam-bucca District Banana Growers’ Associa-tion has re-elected officers.

The August meeting re-elected President Vicki McCudden, Vice President Michael Spear, Secretary Tony Styles and Treasurer and Public Officer Joyce Ward.

Thanks to Neville for job well done

Neville Sloss

Over many years the Tweed Bruns-wick Banana Growers’ Association has supported the Tweed Valley Banana Festival (Story, Page 12), and this year aims to extend its support for local events.

At its August meeting, the group decided to support the Tweed Foodie Fest along with the Murwillumbah Show in Novem-ber. President Robert Pierce said the asso-ciation supported events where locally grown produce such as bananas could be featured.

“The Tweed Foodie Fest provides us with an opportunity to showcase the flavour and quality of subtropical bananas grown in our area and supports the aim to increase local consumption.”

Festival Director Ms Kerry Turner addressed the meeting and informed the members of the events coming up as part of the event. There will be tours and tastings, the Long Table Dinner at Kingscliff on November 29 and Tweed’s Biggest Dinner Party at Murwillumbah Showgrounds on November 30.

“We hope to showcase local bananas at events and have approached Australian Bananas to support us in supporting this and our other events,” Mr Pierce said.

“It is always a hit when we are able to hand out merchandise promoting Austra-lian Bananas.”

The Tweed Brunswick group will also have their usual display at the Murwillumbah Show in November.

Growers to support more local events

Grower meetings

10 Australian Banana News | September 2013

Banana transport figures are now being released a week earlier to grower members of the Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) following a Board decision.

At its August Board meeting, the ABGC decided to release the ABGC’s transport figures as soon as possible after the end of each consignment week.

The figures will now be released to grower members on the first Tuesday after the end of each consignment week.

They had previously been released on the second Tuesday, which was nine days after the end of each consignment week.

The change has been brought about because transport figures that Australian Banana Wholesalers have been broad-casting since the Banana Congress are almost identical to the figures that ABGC has been providing to members, but the ABGC figures have not been available to members until a week later. This had meant that virtually the only ones in the supply chain not getting the transport figures as soon as they were available were growers.

The figures detail the number of banana cartons transported from north Queensland to various State markets.

The ABGC Board held its quarterly meet-ing at the South Johnstone Research Station.

Other matters discussed were finance and sponsorships, projects, member-ship, research and development issues, biosecurity and plans for the next Banana Industry Congress to be held in 2015.

Board decides on transport-figure change

Growers to support more local events

ABGC Board members met at South Johnstone in August. From left: Stephen Spear, Steve Lizzio, Paul Johnstone, Doug Phillips, Marc Darveniza, Adrian Crema and Peter Molenaar.

industry news

Bananas cane rivalA Nicaraguan company is planting enough bananas to increase national production by 300 per cent. Nearly all the crop is to be exported to the United States. Piero Coen Montealegre, founder and president of the Coen Group, told the Nicaraguan newspaper El Nuevo Diario bananas are a preferable crop to sugar cane. “The difference between the two crops is the same as there is between playing baseball in Nicaragua and playing in the major leagues — the banana is more profitable. The investment is much higher, but the gain is also much higher.” Traditionally a low producer, Nicaragua plans to increase production to eight million boxes annually from about two million.

Skins offPeeled and vacuum packed bananas are a growing export product for Ecuadorian company Platano Macho S.A. Executive President, Carlos López, told www.fresh-fruitportal.com the company first took the product to a German fair in 2003. It now exports nine containers each week to Amsterdam, Spain and the United States. Peeling the bananas improves shelf life and avoids shipping waste in the form of the peel. The fruit is reported to last a minimum of 48 days.

Plantations plunderedBanana thefts are reported to be on the rise in Malyasia with thieves using lorries and motorcycles to steal bunches from plantations. Thieves are reported to be

targeting the higher value pisang tanduk variety, a cooking banana, forcing growers to camp at their farms overnight to guard against losses.

Banana BritsBananas continue to be the UK’s favou-rite fruit, according to a recent survey conducted by a research group. Of 2,600 shoppers using a Shopitize voting app, 26 per cent ranked bananas first followed by apples (23 per cent), grapes (19 per cent) oranges with 11 per cent and 7 per cent for pears. Bananas are also good value in the UK, prices having halved over the past ten years dropping from around £1.10 a kg in 2002 to just 68p.

World headlines

“Growers brought up to speed by decision.”

September 2013 | Australian Banana News 11

news & events

Australian Banana News is the national banana industry’s bi-monthly newsletter. Distribution is to banana growers and our many industry partners. Production is by the Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) as part of the Banana Industry Communications Project managed by Horticulture Australia Ltd (HAL) and funded by the banana industry levy and the Federal Government. ABGC is the national, peak industry body representing the interests of Australia’s commercial banana growers. HAL is a not-for-profit, industry-owned company working in partnership with Australia’s horticulture industries to invest in research, development and marketing programs.

EDITORIAL STAFF: Rhyll Cronin, ABGC Communications Manager, 07 3278 4786, rhyll.cronin@abgc.org.au All mail to: ABGC, PO Box 309 Brisbane Market QLD 4106

The banana industry has cele-brated its annual gala day at the track with the Australian Banana Industry Race Day event at Innis-fail’s Pease Park in August.

There was plenty of excitement on and off the track. The Moraitis Cup, won by outsider Damashqui, was the feature event in a six-race program. Other events on the card also featured major industry sponsorship including Costa Exchange, JE Tipper, Visy Boxes, Mackays Banana Marketing, Australian Bananas, LaManna, Lindsays, Tropicana and LMB Bananas. In the fashion stakes, there were plenty of contenders for the Tropicana Bananas Fashions on the Field prizes.

Fashions in the race at Innisfail

Tweed district growers Will Everest and Dave Atwal took out the hon-ours in the crowning of King and Queen bananas at the 2013 Tweed Valley Banana Festival.

Tweed district growers have recovered from damaging storms of early 2013 to celebrate one of Australia’s longest-run-ning annual festivals, The Tweed Valley Banana Festival.

At this year’s 58th event, growers partic-ipated in the traditional crowning of the King and Queen Bananas – the heaviest Cavendish (King) and Lady Finger (Queen) submitted for a weigh in.

Dunbible-based Atwal Brothers Banana Ripeners and Eungella grower Will Everest were again successful, the Atwal family with a 332 gram Cavendish and Mr Ever-est with a 287 gram Lady Finger.

Dave Atwal (pictured, right) and Will Everest accepted their prizes at a cere-mony held the day before the festival’s street parade was attended by a crowd of thousands in Murwillumbah on August 31.

Mr Atwal’s family has several banana farms in the district and supplies major retailers in the area including Woolworths, Coles and IGA. He said production, which had been affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald and follow-up storms was now well into recovery.

Mr Everest said he was back cutting bunches every week. “We did get hit ear-lier in the year but it’s turned around now and it’s back to normal.”

Growers celebrate the Tweed Valley Banana Festival

Pictured at the race day are Sarah Stepanoff, Jessica Gleissner, Melissa Sendra and Meagan Szafran.