Government publishes issues paper following technical visit and will now commence Biosecurity Imports Risk Analysis
The Australian government has moved to the next stage of its assessment of fresh Cavendish banana imports from the Philippines.
The federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) conducted a technical visit on 23-27 March, attending five farms in Davao del Norte, Bukidnon and Davao de Oro.
On 16 June DAFF published a trip report and an issues paper, outlining the assessment process in more detail and any issues that need to be considered, as well as more information regarding the request from the Philippines. It also released a notice of intention to conduct this assessment as a Biosecurity Import Risk Analysis (BIRA), signalling the start of 30-month timeframe to finalise the BIRA.
The Australian Banana Growers Association has strongly opposed Philippine banana imports and chair of the Banana Imports Committee, Paul Inderbitzin, said the Committee will be closely considering these documents.
“We’ve been preparing for this. The Banana Imports Committee, as well as our scientific experts, will be going through this information with a fine-tooth comb,” Inderbitzin said.
“While this is not up for official consultation, rest assured we’ll be alerting the Department to any concerns or inconsistencies.
“We’ll keep industry informed, but I’d encourage you (the industry) to take a look too and share any concerns or questions with us.”
There is a 30-day feedback period for the issues paper, which will end on 16 July 2026.
Inderbitzin noted that the trip report, in its current form, revealed very little and highlighted the concerns held by Australian growers.
“We understand the detail will come with the draft Import Risk Assessment, but what I can say is there is nothing in this report that gives any indication that our current biosecurity standards should change, or that the Philippines could meet our appropriate level of protection (ALOP),” he said.
“The diseases present at every one of the farms they visited, could virtually wipe-out the Australian banana industry.
“On top of that, what chemical programs are they using to control these? How rigorous is the fruit quality inspection process? How can we guarantee all packing houses will follow protocol to remove possible pest and disease transmission? The questions go on, and I can’t foresee any answers that would be satisfactory to any Australian grower.”
DAFF outlined a timeline of the assessment process and a draft BIRA report is expected to be released for public consultation in early 2027.
Inderbitzin welcomed the decision to move to a BIRA
“This provides some additional checks and balances, which seems only fitting given the gravity of any decision that is made,” he said.
The import assessment process commenced in response to a formal request from the Philippines for Australia to consider alternative measures to manage the main pathogens of concern identified in the 2008 import risk analysis for bananas from the Philippines.
“We must consider the Philippines’ request for alternative measures. This is due to our international obligations as members of the World Trade Organisation,” DAFF said.
”Where possible, we must develop import conditions that achieve Australia’s ALOP, are scientifically justified and do not unreasonably restrict trade.”
The assessment will involve a comprehensive scientific assessment of biosecurity risks, including the 3 pathogens of concern: Moko, black Sigatoka and banana freckle.
It will also consider alternative risk management measures where required, review the 2008 import risk analysis, and consider two additional requests from the Philippines for an additional cultivar and growing region.
To support the assessment, DAFF said it will call on a range of scientific experts.
“We are establishing an Expert Advisory Group comprising of experts in banana pests and diseases, production practices and pest management systems to provide independent, expert advice on this assessment,” it said.
”If the assessment finds that there are measures that can reduce the biosecurity risk to achieve Australia’s ALOP, we must complete several further steps before trade could start. This includes verifying that the Philippines can meet any recommended risk management measures, developing and publishing import conditions,” DAFF said.
“This assessment is complex, and the full process could take several years to complete. If imports commence, the feasibility of trade ultimately depends on Australian consumers.”
