The Farm Biosecurity Manual for the Banana Industry highlights important information about good biosecurity practices such as spotting the industry’s high priority pests and diseases, tips on farm hygiene, and how to ensure planting material is pest and disease free.

Speaking at the 8th Australian Banana Industry Congress on the Gold Coast, managing director of Biosecurity Queensland Kareena Arthy said the handy tool was developed by Biosecurity Queensland and Plant Health Australia (PHA).

“The banana industry is one that is at high risk of pest incursions given the majority of Australia’s growers are situated in Queensland’s north – close to neighbouring countries which harbour many exotic pests,” Ms Arthy said.

“Biosecurity Queensland and Plant Health Australia are working to prepare farmers for any potential threats to their farms and industry with the development of the Farm Biosecurity Manual for the Banana Industry.”

Ms Arthy said exotic pests and diseases pose a constant threat to Australia’s $21.4 billion dollar plant industries.

“An outbreak of Asian papaya fruit fly near Cairns in 1995 cost more than $34 million to eradicate and resulted in trade restrictions of more than $400 million,” she said.

“Although Queensland has a very effective plant health biosecurity system, all growers play an important role in protecting their own farm and industry from biosecurity threats.

“The Farm Biosecurity Manual for the Banana Industry will help farmers to fulfil this role by outlining farm management practices that can be incorporated into day-to-day operations.”

CEO and executive director of PHA Greg Fraser said the manual would be an important tool for Australian banana farmers.

“It is an important tool that will help growers secure their farms and secure their futures against the threat of pests and diseases," Mr Fraser said.

“A revised National Banana Industry Biosecurity Plan, incorporating the latest scientific research and pest intelligence, is also about to be released.

“This industry blueprint, in combination with the practices outlined in the Farm Biosecurity Manual for the Banana Industry, gives the Australian banana industry a world-class biosecurity system.”