Surveillance programme to operate under new name with focus on grower support
The Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) has announced its Panama disease tropical race 4 (TR4) surveillance efforts will recommence on 7 April, 2025, delivered by the newly named ABGC Grower Support (Biosecurity) programme.
The industry-led, government-backed programme has been rebranded as part of an effort to shift focus from fear and crisis management to empowerment and proactive action. The name provides the flexibility to expand the programme’s scope in the future,
“We’ve recognised that the name has begun to create barriers to engagement and cooperation within the industry. By changing the name, we aim to foster a more open and cooperative environment, enabling us to move forward with greater unity,” ABGC said in an update.
“The new name, ABGC Grower Support (Biosecurity), focuses on the positive, proactive, and empowering role the program plays. It highlights our commitment to providing growers with the tools and resources they need to face the challenges posed by Panama TR4 and other potential biosecurity risks.”
The programme is designed to detect potential outbreaks of TR4 early, enabling growers to take swift action and limit the spread of the disease that could threaten Australia’s banana crops. Early detection is essential in minimising the impact on banana plantations.
“TR4 is one of the most significant biosecurity threats to Australian banana production,” said Leon Collins, chair of ABGC.
“This surveillance programme is crucial in managing this threat and protecting both the banana industry and the broader agricultural sector. We are grateful for the ongoing support of our growers, stakeholders, and government partners.”
The surveillance programme is a collaborative effort across the entire banana industry led by the ABGC and supported by Biosecurity Queensland.
Michael Reid, chief plant health manager for Queensland said: “For surveillance to work effectively, every grower needs to be participating. Our team will be working with ABGC to ensure everyone is taking reasonable and practical steps to manage their biosecurity risks”.
Growers, farm workers, suppliers, and other industry stakeholders will work together to fulfil their General Biosecurity Obligation (GBO) by implementing strong biosecurity practices, participating in inspections, and reporting any suspected TR4 cases. The ABGC will provide on-the-ground guidance and support to help growers meet their GBO.
In addition to inspections, the programme will involve sampling of plants and monitoring of potential risk areas. The ABGC said it remains committed to ensuring the smooth implementation of the programme and is ready to assist growers with any challenges that arise.
This includes the revitalisation of the TR4 steering committee, which will oversee the implementation of the biosecurity programme and the appointment of a TR4 project officer, Sarah Rowan.
