Australian banana industry takes stock post-Cyclone Larry

 

 

 21 November 2007

 

 

As Australia’s largest fruit industry, the $450 million banana industry is planning to grow a sustainable, profitable and resilient future by taking stock of the present and setting fresh new directions as part of a national review process.

 

Australian Banana Growers’ Council president Patrick Leahy said the Taking Stock and Setting Directions process has commenced with an information-gathering sweep through all growing areas by industry analysts AgEconPlus, which begins in far north Queensland this week.

 

Mr Leahy said analyst Mike Williams will meet with growers, natural resource managers, packhouse operators, brokers, agents, retailers, transporters, government agencies, industry organisations, researchers and others in the north during the next fortnight.

 

“All those with a stake in the industry are invited to contribute. After beginning in north Queensland, the consultations will move to sub-tropical Queensland and New South Wales areas as well as growing areas in Western Australia and the Northern Territory,” Mr Leahy said.

 

The stock take process will cover:

• An analysis of the Australian banana industry’s current situation and performance.
• Identification of opportunities and threats that are likely to confront the Australian banana industry during the next 5-10 years.
• Determination of the industry’s capacity to respond to challenges and take advantage of opportunities.
• Prioritisation of key areas in which the Australian banana industry can improve.
• Development of response strategies for the industry’s highest priorities.

Copies of an initial discussion paper – which scopes production characteristics, research and development and use of technology, marketing and markets, supply chains, leadership and industry culture, and government policy – are available from ABGC or from analyst Michael Clarke on Clarke@AgEconPlus.com.au.

 

Mr Leahy said the review process was made possible through funding provided by the Australian Government.

 

“Since Cyclone Larry wiped out the heart of our industry in north Queensland, we have been through a rebuilding period and are now poised to refine and reshape our future for the benefit of producers, supply chain businesses, and ultimately for our consumers,” Mr Leahy said.

 

“The industry’s support for the introduction of a national levy will underpin national marketing, and research and development, and plant health needs which will strengthen and future-proof our industry.

 

“I urge anyone with a contribution to make to engage in this process.” 

 

 

For comment, contact Patrick Leahy on 07 4068 0209 or Nicky Singh on 0402 214 800.

 

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