The Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) strongly opposes the proposal saying “imports are unnecessary”
Australia’s Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has announced it will review alternative measures for the importation of fresh Cavendish bananas from the Philippines.
The review follows a formal request from the Philippines to review the biosecurity measures in place for the Moko, black Sigatoka and banana freckle pathogens.
DAFF will also review the last import risk analysis released in 2008 to ensure the assessments of other pests remain current, while determining whether any new biosecurity risks have emerged.
The Philippines has also requested access for an additional cultivar known as ‘Formosana’, and an additional export province that were not assessed in the 2008 analysis.
“Our assessment will be a rigorous, technical, science-based process conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Biosecurity Act 2015 and international standards,” DAFF said in its announcement.
“We must consider the Philippines’ request for alternative measures due to our international obligations as members of the World Trade Organisation. Where possible, we must develop import conditions that achieve Australia’s ALOP, are scientifically justified and do not unreasonably restrict trade.”
The Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) has strongly opposed the proposal. It said in communication with members that imports are unnecessary and would create unacceptable risks for the Australian banana industry.
“Our position is that we do not need to import any bananas and the biosecurity risk of doing so is simply too great,” the industry body said.
The ABGC said it would engage with the federal government throughout the process, making sure the risks are fully understood and considered in the review and advocating strongly to protect growers, industry, families and communities, as well as consumer confidence in Australian bananas.
The assessment process will include a technical visit to the Philippines, which the ABGC was scheduled for later this year, to review the commercial production, pest management and export practices for Cavendish bananas.
“Following the technical visit report, we are advised the next step is the release of an issues paper to industry in the first half of 2026,” the ABGC said. “The federal government will use the issues paper to consult with industry and allow industry to have input into this process sometime during 2026.”
If the assessment finds that the biosecurity risk can be effectively managed, import conditions will be developed and risk management measures verified before trade can commence.
According to DAFF, due to the complexity of the assessment the full process could take several years to complete.
