Far North Queensland grower takes reins of peak industry body

Leon Collins will replace Stephen Lowe as chair of the Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC).

Collins, a Far North Queensland grower, has served on the ABGC’s board for more than six years.

(l-r) Leon Collins is the new chair of the Australian Banana Growers’ Council. He’s pictured with Stephen Lowe (centre) and treasurer Ben Franklin

Image: Australian Banana Growers’ Council

Lowe, who has served as chair since 2016, will remain on the council’s executive as deputy chair.

In Lowe’s six-year tenure, the Australian banana industry faced an number of significant challenges including rising costs of production, the spread of Panama Tropical Race 4, changing environmental regulations and a world-wide pandemic. Natural disasters and periods of low prices also made their mark.

Collins thanked Lowe for his years of service in the position.

“It’s not an easy job, there’s always a new challenge – much like the banana industry more broadly,” Collins said.

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