Banana growers from across Australia will descend on the Gold Coast on 22-24 May for the 2019 Australian Banana Industry Congress.
Taking place at Royal Pines Resort, the congress line-up includes world-class scientists, trade experts and business gurus.
A grower innovation panel and a discussion on farming with Tropical Race 4 (TR4) are set to be highlights on the programme, as are presentations from well-known demographer and social commentator, Bernard Salt, and special projects manager at global banana business Fyffes, Marc Jackson.
“We’re putting banana growers front and centre at this year’s congress,” said congress committee chair and Far North Queensland grower Paul Inderbitzin.
“Not only have we developed a focussed, dynamic programme of exciting speakers and networking opportunities – but we’ll also have some of our peers take the stage to share their valuable on-farm experience.”
The congress component of the programme will run on 23-24 May, with optional off-site tours being held on 22 May.
The event will conclude with the popular Banana Ball on 24 May, which will feature a guest appearance from comedian Dave Hughes along with the presentation of the industry’s Award of Honour.
