Healthy chunck of banana production area represented at Congress
29th May 2007
A significant number of growers representing a healthy chunk of banana production area in Western Australia and north Queensland are preparing to travel to the Gold Coast for the biennial industry gathering at the Seventh Australian Banana Industry Congress on 14-16 June.
As the banana industry begins moving forward united and strong after the most-severe set back in its 125-year history following Cyclone Larry, there is a buoyant attitude which has translated into brisk bookings for congress.
Australian Banana Growers’ Council president Patrick Leahy said subtropical growers in south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales are well-positioned to attend congress and benefit from the industry intelligence and networking opportunities which the event provides.
“I encourage all growers to take advantage of the wonderful chance congress provides for all sectors of industry including growers, wholesalers, researchers, suppliers and retailers to learn and help set future directions for our $400 million Australian industry,” Mr Leahy said.
“I urge sub-tropical growers to set aside a day or two and invest that time in finding out what makes our industry tick beyond the farm gate.”
The Seventh Australian Banana Industry Congress is being held on 14-16 June 2007 at Conrad Jupiters on the Gold Coast, with special international guest speaker being Brazilian researcher Dr Marcio Sonego who will present “Expanding a Competitive Subtropical Industry - the Brazilian Experience.”
Other sessions will cover social trends and the impact of convenience food, online marketing, crop forecasting, national banana levy, plant biosecurity, banana research capability, the Horticulture Code of Conduct, banana promotions, and clean plant schemes.
The congress will be opened by Federal Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran on Friday 15 June at 10.30am, and speakers later that day will include QUT’s Professor James Dale who will discuss the challenges of biofortification and disease-resistant bananas.
On Saturday 16 June, ABGC Imports Committee Chairman Len Collins will outline how the industry is dealing with the latest Import Risk Analysis conducted by Biosecurity Australia which says if imports proceed, diseases such as Black Sigatoka, Moko, Freckle could be in Australia within one year unless suitable quarantine measures are in place.
More details about banana congress registrations, accommodation and sponsorship are available at www.abgc.org.au or by contacting the Congress Secretariat on 3254 0522 or email bananacongress@acclaimsemm.com.au.
For comment, call Patrick Leahy on 07 4068 0209 or Tony Heidrich on 0427 987 499
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