Australian Issue 43, Summer 2014-15 Bananas Water wise Tips for better irrigation

Page 10 Page 23 Page 40 Freckle levy proposal Killing the bills Sign-up for Congress editorial & advertising Rhyll Cronin 07 3278 4786 Australian [email protected] art direction & design ToadShow 2 Eton Street,Toowong Issue 43, Summer 2014-15 07 3335 4000 Bananas www.toadshow.com.au contents publisher Australian Banana Regulars Growers’ Council Inc. 4 Chairman’s comment ABN: 60 381 740 734 5 CEO’s comment chief executive officer Jim Pekin 39 Health research and 42 ABGC Membership development manager Jay Anderson industry strategy manager Industry news

Michelle McKinlay 26 PAGE 6 HIA transition office manager 8 Review of biosecurity Alix Perry regulations administration assistant 8 Horticulture levy inquiry begins Kaylar Packer N 9 Bananas makes import risk ew 30 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ID ge analysis submission O Matt Weinert Pa chairman Doug Phillips 9 Ginger import review starts deputy chairman Profiles Adrian Crema Biosecurity 26 Next-gen scientist – science-career treasurer 10 Levy proposed for Freckle hopes for Emily Pattison

Paul Johnston 28 PAGE eradication 28 Next-gen grower – fresh-food directors Tom Day 12 Magpie geese arrive in Tully passion brings home Rob Johnson Steve Lizzio 30 Matt’s mission - new industry Stephen Lowe development officer Matt Weinert Peter Molenaar Farm practices Stephen Spear 42 Sharing the industry passion – new 14 National Banana roadshow ABGC director Stephen Lowe all mail to – growers show the love PO Box 309 43 Back on Board – returning ABGC BRISBANE MARKET 16 Results from the roadshow director Tom Day QLD 4106 soil-health survey Australian Bananas 19 drumMUSTER for banana growers is published three times a year by Professional the Australian Banana Growers’ 42 PAGE Council Inc as part of the Banana Features development Industry Communications 32 Study tour – taking a trip to Project. This project has 20 Irrigation without the irritation been funded by Horticulture – Reef water quality grants banana central Innovation Australia Ltd (HIA) using the banana levy 22 New round of reef grants to open and matched funds from the 24 Kill a bill – reducing farm energy International Australian Government. costs 34 Toxic past challenges French West Disclaimer 25 Orchards lay off the juice – results Indies Horticulture Innovation Australia Ltd (HIA from energy study Ltd) and ABGC make no representations and expressly disclaim all warranties (to Events

the extent permitted by law) about the 43 PAGE accuracy, completeness, or currency of 36 Murwillumbah Show – younger information in this magazine. Users of growers stand out this material should take independent action to confirm any information in this 37 Banana Hurl – bananas an energy magazine before relying on it in any way. gift at Macksville Reliance on any information provided by HIA Ltd and ABGC is entirely at your 38 Banana Race Day – 2000 at own risk. HIA Ltd and ABGC are not responsible for, and will not be liable for, Innisfail gallops any loss, damage, claim, expense, cost 40 Banana Industry Congress 2015 (including legal costs) or other liability arising in any way (including from HIA – registrations open soon Ltd’s and ABGC’s or any other person’s negligence or otherwise) from your use or non-use of the magazine, or from reliance on information contained in the magazine or that HIA Ltd and ABGC provide to you by any other means.

Tiger Mereider with a newly-automated irrigation system at his East Palmerston farm

Photographer: Rhyll Cronin 4 comment COMMENT 5 Highs and lows of footy and farming A look at ABGC’s report card In a year with the will also assist the longer-term future of The freckle response will obviously At the start of 2014, Cyclone Ita approached and hit some She has written a submission on the IRA usual highs and NT banana growing. continue to demand our attention as we the Australian farms badly on 12 April. process and has provided advice on the lows there remains We have also seen Horticulture progress through the eradication plan. Banana Growers’ ABGC continues to enjoy the support implications of ginger imports. one event sticking Australia Limited (HAL), the organisa- We will also work toward the introduc- Council (ABGC) of most growers and our membership in my mind that I tion that manages our levy investment, tion of a positive Emergency Plant Pest reconsidered its numbers have again increased this year. Industry development continue to strug- undergo a significant review (see story, (EPP) production-based levy to repay strategic direction Growers are fortunate to receive a It’s also worthwhile mentioning some gle with - I can’t Page 7). The review was in response to industry’s share of the response costs. and clarified its roles range of industry communications, of the other work conducted by the believe Queensland the ACIL Allen report and the concerns Information about this process appears to: Our Communications Manager, Rhyll ABGC. Space does not allow me to list lost the Origin series! about the undue influence some industry on Page 10. More detail will be provided ƒƒensure the viability of the Australian Cronin, has delivered improved commu- all the 2014 outputs from ABGC staff, That was, of course, a memorable bodies had over the company and the in 2015. banana industry for growers nications in 2014 through media releases, so the following is a cross section: event from beyond the farm gate. There investment process. The result of this As further details of HIA’s operations ƒƒmanage and act on industry issues, our website and Banana Grower e-bul- ƒƒparticipated in and provided secretariat was also another set of highs and lows for review was the creation of a new entity, come to light we will need to work including policy-related ones letins, as well as through the Australian for the Banana Industry Advisory a range of industry events during 2014. Horticulture Innovation Australia with, and adapt to, the new processes to ƒƒcommunicate information to growers Banana News and Australian Bananas Committee (IAC), its scientific and Tropical Cyclone (TC) Ita in April was Limited (HIA), from November 2014. ensure maximum benefit continues to be and other stakeholders and magazine. In addition she has produced marketing subcommittees a low, in every sense of the word, for the HIA will have the growers as the direct achieved through the investment process. ƒƒensure effective and efficient outcomes new banana industry videos which will ƒƒdeveloped relationships with politicians Hope Vale Banana Farm and some other owners, as opposed to the various A new three-year marketing strategy for marketing and R&D initiatives. soon be released. and senior departmental people. Also banana farms in its path. industry bodies. will be developed for banana marketing The main ABGC priorities for 2014 hosted two (then) Senators-elect on a Fortunately, the cyclone inflicted We also experienced record production activities. This work recently commenced were then determined to be: HAL review NQ banana farm tour, Senators Matt far less damage on the wider North for the 2013/2014 financial year with with a review of the current strategy and ƒƒBanana Freckle eradication Early in the year there were numerous Canavan and Barry O’Sullivan Queensland industry than it could have. levy data indicating 28.6 million cartons activities. The remainder of the strategy’s management meetings regarding ACIL Allen’s review ƒƒdeveloped submissions on agricultural Another major interruption to supply so of bananas were produced and sold. At development will occur in the first ƒƒmember communication and of Horticulture Australia (HAL). ABGC chemical issues and on the Senate soon after TC Yasi and TC Larry would time of writing, supply for the current few months of 2015 and it is intended engagement then made a detailed submission to inquiry into levies surely have tested the patience of even financial year, while strong, has not kept to kick off in July. This represents an ƒƒHAL review that review. But the ACIL report, when ƒƒdeveloped, with Jenny Margetts, the the most stoic banana consumer, as well pace with the previous year. However, the opportunity to continue to build on ƒƒImport Risk Analysis published in May, did not reflect or industry’s new Strategic Investment as the resilience of many banana farmers. returns to growers have been firm. the fantastic work that has already been ƒƒQueensland Biosecurity Regulations mention any of ABGC’s points. The Plan Much time and effort has also been While many factors impact on the achieved. ƒƒQuality Banana Approved Nursery implementation of the reforms to HAL is ƒƒled and reported on the banana invested in the Banana Freckle response wholesale price it has been evident that 2015 will also be the year of the indus- (QBAN) scheme. underway, but not without some issues, capacity building project this year. While the eradication plan that demand for bananas has been strong and try’s biennial Congress. For the first time The following “report card” is my as noted in my accompanying article (see ƒƒassisted in the design of the extension was approved in October has some obvi- this is in no small part due to the work of we are taking the event to a capital city assessment of our performance. story, page 7). materials for the National Banana ous significant and drastic impacts on the Australian Bananas marketing team. – Melbourne. For those of you who have Development and Extension Program growers within the Northern Territory, I We certainly look forward to continuing attended a Congress before, you are fully Banana Freckle Biosecurity priorities that resulted in the July and August have no doubt these steps are necessary success in this area. aware of the benefits, both social and Senior ABGC staff have dedicated ABGC Research and Development roadshows to protect the national industry from the As we move toward the end of the year professional, of participation. For those most of our time this year to the var- Manager Dr Jay Anderson had to juggle ƒƒsupported the NSW Banana Industry impacts of this particular pathogen. It it is also appropriate to look forward to yet to attend, I cannot stress enough how ious government processes and issues a variety of tasks during 2014. Her Development Officer Project. Matt what we can expect next year. important this event is. It is much more relating to a response plan for freckle. main activity has been technical advice Weinert began in the role in October than simply listening to the presentations Following these processes, a very large, on Banana Freckle. Consequently the ƒƒdeveloped a project with the and walking through the exhibition - you zone-based eradication program started revamping of QBAN is not advanced as Department of Environment and will learn things that will benefit you in October (see story, Page 10). Growers’ she would like. However, she worked on Heritage to assist best management and your business - so I encourage all to share of the costs will be $11 million to the Panama Tropical Race 4 risk man- practice in Queensland attend. $13 million. The Australian Bureau of agement plan and assisted in an ACIAR ƒƒplanning for an exciting Banana Of course one additional benefit of Agricultural Resources and Economics project on Panama. She also assisted Industry Congress in Melbourne next attending will be the opportunity to see and Sciences (ABARES) calculated the in external reviews of the Bunchy Top year. a State Of Origin match played at the cost would have been many times larger project and the Banana Plant Protection Robert Mayers, who is now one year MCG on the first night of the Congress, than this if freckle were to spread to the Program, and in the development of the into the Terrain project, has delivered June 17. And, given my struggle with main growing regions. We have recently black Sigatoka trigger point plan and has valuable grants to growers. this year’s outcome, one of the things expressed our thanks to the NT Primary provided technical advice on Biosecurity Louis Lardi successfully delivered on I’m looking forward to for 2015 is seeing Industry Minister and his Department of Queensland options regarding banana his yellow Sigatoka project, as well as Queensland regain control of the Origin! Primary Industry and Forestry staff for pest regulations. helped the NT Banana Freckle opera- Merry Christmas to all and a happy their leadership as the combat state. As a result of the importance of tions staff with destruction techniques. and safe New Year. biosecurity issues, we developed a project Sam Stringer and Barry Sullivan are Doug Phillips Members proposal, advertised for and employed an gradually eradicating Bunchy Top from ABGC Chairman The amount of time on freckle issues additional person, Michelle McKinlay, south east Queensland. has meant fewer farm visits and meetings to develop strategies for biosecurity Jim Pekin for me with members than I would have (and, later on, other priorities). Michelle ABGC Chief Executive Officer liked. However, ABGC showed its value started in July and has been working on Banana Freckle eradication in the NT will when it counted. One example is when Queensland biosecurity regulation issues continue in 2015. and Import Risk Analysis (IRA) matters. Australian Bananas magazine | Summer 2014-2015 Summer 2014-2015 | Australian Bananas magazine 6 industry news INDUSTRY NEWS 7 HIA happenings Growers asked to sign-on with HIA Hopes for quick resolution in HIA transition 2001 Banana growers are among the thousands of farmers being Many growers have asked what is happening at Horticulture Australia Ltd (HAL) with its Horticulture Australia Ltd (HAL) asked to sign-on as direct owners of horticulture’s new R&D transition to Horticulture Innovation Australia (HIA). is established as the Research & funding company, Horticulture Innovation Australia Ltd (HIA). Development Corporation (RDC) for The situation at time of writing Unclear future Changes expected horticulture HIA replaces the former body, (November 17) is not pretty, but we There is also no news yet on whether A massive change in structure and July 2013 Horticulture Australia Ltd (HAL), hope most of the issues will soon be all industry levy funds for R&D will be operational processes is now expected An independent review of Horticulture after a review decided to scrap the resolved in favour of growers. matched by the Government. And there and this will take time to sort through. Australia Ltd (HAL) announced by industry-owned HAL and replace On November 4, HIA replaced HAL. is no decision on whether, or how much It is hoped that banana growers and the HAL Board. It is HAL’s third it with a group directly owned by HIA is a public company that will of, the levy funds will go to across-indus- ABGC are consulted by HIA through periodic review since 2001. HAL has 43 growers. be owned by individual grower share try and strategic projects. this transition. owner-members, mainly Peak Industry Federal Agriculture Minister Barnaby holders. Banana growers have, in the main, We trust that common sense prevails Bodies (PIBs), and invests about $100m Joyce and HIA Chairman Selwyn The Government appointed four of trusted the ABGC to consult, commu- in the procurement of service providers annually in R&D and marketing Snell both made announcements on the industry services body,” Mr Snell its nine directors. The other five are nicate and represent banana growers as a for projects and with grower consultation July November 25, the day a Statutory said. “This declaration represents the first from the HAL Board. HIA does not yet member of HAL and they have trusted meetings. That is, if HIA plans to have ACIL Allen, one of Australia’s largest Funding Agreement was finalised. The major step forward for the new company. have a constitution, any members, or a the Banana IAC to provide appropriate regular direct meetings with growers management consultancies, is commis- agreement will allow the Commonwealth “HIA will work in partnership with statutory funding agreement (SFA) with investment advice on banana R&D and of all crops in a dozen or so locations sioned to conduct the review Government to contribute government Australia’s horticulture industries to the Department of Agriculture. marketing. around the country, they would need to October funds towards levy-funded R&D invest more than $100 million in Right now it is not clear what role be planned well for growers to attend The first stage of ACIL Allen’s three- projects. research, development and marketing Funding freeze Prescribed Industry Bodes (PIBs) like and be cost effective. stage review begins a review of HAL’s Minister Joyce said it was “a new era programs that provide benefit to industry HAL’s assets were transferred to HIA ABGC will have in the future. It appears We are also keen to see the Banana past performance, the industry model for horticulture”. and the wider community.” on November 4 but HIA is currently the Department does not trust some IAC replaced with something similar, and levy structure “I am confident that this new model – HIA Chief Executive Officer John not allowed to make payments on PIBs and IACs and this lies at the heart that is, a structure where keen and capa- recommended by an independent review Lloyd said a key priority was establishing HAL-contracted milestone invoices or to of the reasons for the HAL review and ble banana growers have input into the December by ACIL Allen – will deliver even greater a grower registry so HIA could commu- enter into new contracts. This is because the current dispute over the SFA. priorities and projects to be funded by Stakeholder consultation begins, includ- transparency and accountability to levy nicate directly with its members. there is an SFA dispute between the their levies. A decision on this is required ing national briefing sessions. About 50 payer owners and give them a real say in “There are many benefits in becoming Department and the HIA Board over the ABGC requests soon for both marketing and R&D. written submissions are received how their levy funds are invested as well a member, including the opportunity for operation of HIA. ABGC has requested the new arrange- May 2014 as the outcomes they want to achieve for growers to have a say in the leadership Consequently, there are no deci- ments include the concept that all R&D Banana projects ACIL Allen delivers its report making their industries,” Minister Joyce said. and future direction of Australia’s new sions being made on the replacement levy funds provided by banana growers In regard to marketing, which only nine recommendations including that Mr Snell said it was an exciting time horticulture RDC,” he said.. structures for the Industry Advisory be matched by the Government and ded- growers fund (and at about $4 million HAL be transitioned to a new entity for growers and that he was looking “Members will also be invited to Committees (IACs), which until October icated to banana-related projects. This per year), banana industry input is and no longer be owned by grower forward to working with them. attend information forums, field days 31 advised HAL on the R&D and is what banana levy payers voted for in imperative. The next three-year mar- groups but directly owned by growers. “I am delighted that HIA’s Statutory and workshops held around the country.” marketing investments. 2007 when the vast majority supported keting program starts in July 2015, and The HAL Board meets with HAL mem- Funding Agreement and Constitution Minister Joyce has also encouraged all the national banana levy proposal. there are a lot of development work bers to discuss the report have been finalised and Parliament has levy payers to become members of HIA. ABGC has also submitted that we decision points before then. June made the official declaration of HIA as should continue to be able to enter into It is also hoped that the new R&D A HAL members’ extraordinary general HIA contracts to deliver projects where investment decision process is put in meeting (EGM) supports the transition that is appropriate, for example com- place soon so that new projects can be to a grower-owned entity with 95% of munication, consultation and industry applied for, assessed and contracted from members’ votes in favour development projects. ABGC’s Board 1 July 2015. The Bunchy Top project, October of grower leaders and our staff are well Dr Jay Anderson’s R&D Management Federal Agriculture Minister Barnaby connected to banana grower networks. project and the yellow Sigatoka project Joyce announces the formation of a new We have the trust of industry because we all finish at the end of this financial year. horticulture RDC called Horticulture are accountable to all growers. We also The industry needs all three to continue Innovation Australia Ltd (HIA). A operate on a not-for-profit basis. Where with some changes, but seamlessly, from nine-member HIA Board is appointed ABGC is not the only potential service July. comprising five of HAL’s eight directors provider for a project, we are comfortable ABGC understands it will take about a and four new directors. for that project to be put out to compet- year to have a HIA share registry up and November itive tender. running. In the meantime, growers need ABGC does not want HIA to be to not only be informed but have the HIA replaces HAL. There is a tem- pushed by the Department into being opportunity to provide advice on the use porary freeze on levy-funded project overly bureaucratic with any processes of their levies. payments when a Statutory Funding that are inefficient or unnecessary. HIA Agreement expires on November 3. by Jim Pekin is not a statutory authority so operational A new agreement and HIA’s constitu- ABGC Chief Executive Officer matters should not be dictated by the tion are finalised and announced on Department. November 25.

Australian Bananas magazine | Summer 2014-2015 Summer 2014-2015 | Australian Bananas magazine 8 biosecurity BIOSECURITY 9 Call to keep leaf-spot regulation Bananas in import risk submission The Australian banana industry is awaiting the outcome of protection area around the main banana Submissions on the import a Queensland Government review of biosecurity regulations growing region. risk analysis (IRA) process amid concerns changes could diminish future enforcement of The ABGC supports the removal are now being considered as of the restrictions on the number and yellow Sigatoka outbreaks. species of backyard banana plants that part of changes to Australia’s About 30 North Queensland grow- steps to prevent or minimise a biosecu- can be grown outside the main growing Quarantine Act. ers attended an Innisfail briefing rity risk. regions. from Biosecurity Queensland (BQ) The ABGC is viewing any removal of This is because the regulation is very The Australian Banana Growers’ on proposed changes to the reg- the 5 per cent infestation regulation as a difficult to enforce as the population Council (ABGC) is among horticul- ulations. About six growers also fundamental shift in the Government’s of south east Queensland grows. In the ture and agriculture groups who attended a separate briefing held on approach to biosecurity and a major state’s north, untended plants in the Far have made about 50 submissions as the Tablelands, at Mareeba. concern for the banana industry. Northern Biosecurity Zone are unlikely part of industry consultation on the The November briefings were part of It is the ABGC’s view that such a to survive unless cultivated. changes. BQ consultation on a Regulatory Impact change could redirect BQ resources Any removal of commercial planting The import risk process is being Statement (RIS) it released in October as away from yellow Sigatoka enforcement permits is not supported by the ABGC reviewed as part of the move to new bios- part of changes being made prior to the because it would not be considered as as they are an invaluable tool for industry ecurity legislation and the Biosecurity introduction of the Biosecurity Act 2014. a “high” biosecurity risk. The banana when trying to trace the source of disease Bill 2014 was introduced to Federal The new Act is to come into force by no industry currently funds a yellow incursions, especially exotic ones. The Parliament in late November. later than July 1, 2016. Sigatoka liaison officer to inspect farms ABGC would prefer to keep a plant The legislation is of major importance to pest and disease incursions within The Australian Banana Growers’ but it is BQ’s role to enforce any permit system but would like to work to the banana industry because of its Australia. The legislation is of Council (ABGC) and banana grower breaches. Other options being considered with BQ to develop a more simple, interests in biosecurity and the threat For more information on the associations have made submissions on by BQ are: grower-friendly system. of exotic pests being introduced with Biosecurity Bill 2014 and the supporting major importance proposed changes. ƒƒchanges to existing biosecurity zones The RIS also outlines options for imported produce. legislation, visit www.agriculture.gov.au/ because of the threat All banana grower groups are ƒƒchanging or removing restrictions on changes to regulations for the mango, Federal Agriculture Minister Barnaby biosecuritylegislation or subscribe to the concerned about an option to drop a the number and variety of backyard sugarcane, cattle and bee industries. Joyce said the legislation, if passed, would Biosecurity Bill 2014 subscription list at of exotic pests. regulation that states an infestation of banana plants that can be grown out- Submissions closed on November 21 provide a national capability to respond https://agriculture.custhelp.com/. yellow Sigatoka (leaf spot) occurs when side the main banana growing region and announcements on BQ’s decisions a banana plant leaf has at least 5 per cent ƒƒremoving the need for commercial on future regulations are expected by disease coverage. planting permits early 2015. BQ is considering changing this ƒƒa decrease to the number of BQ fees For further information: Please Ginger import review starts section of the regulation to a guideline but increased prices for those that contact ABGC Chief Executive Officer supporting the Government’s new remain. Jim Pekin 07 3278 4786. A review of import conditions for Fijian ginger has been therefore that the Director of Quarantine General Biosecurity Obligation (GBO) The ABGC agrees with biosecurity announced following industry biosecurity concerns and a find has brought forward the review in order that obliges everyone to take reasonable zone changes, as long as there is a pest of live nematodes in some of the first imports to arrive. to clarify the science around Radopholus similis.” The banana industry has been concerns and calling for a suspension of The Minister said media reports among industries to voice concerns ginger imports until a review of quaran- suggesting a compromise of the biose- over any biosecurity risk posed by tine procedures was conducted. curity status of the ginger industry were Inquiry flags levy-payer update the fresh ginger imports. In response, Minister Joyce said he was “misguided”. Of particular concern to bananas is not aware of any new evidence to indi- “While tests performed by the The first hearings of a Senate first day of hearings in Canberra in emphasis on identifying who the levy any risk of Fijian burrowing nematodes cate ginger imports presented a risk to Queensland Department of Agriculture, Inquiry into agriculture late November. More hearings have payers are, because there’s a myriad of (Radopholus similis) entering Australia. Australia’s banana industry. Fresh ginger Fisheries and Forestry on a consignment and horticulture levies has so far been scheduled for Sydney and benefits that come out of that,” she said. The nematode appears to be a more imports have not been suspended. of imported ginger did find live nem- Melbourne in early February. “It’s not just for the purpose of expend- aggressive pest than nematodes already In November, Minister Joyce atodes—root-knot nematodes—these flagged there may need to At the November hearing, the Federal ing research and development, but from found in Australia, based on the damage announced the review, originally are already found in Australia and be a review of levy-payer Department of Agriculture confirmed a biosecurity perspective too.” it causes to Fijian ginger. scheduled to take place 12 months after their presence was not a surprise, nor a records. it did not have a list of all Australian The inquiry is being conducted by the Although the live nematodes found the start of imports but now brought quarantine concern.” levy payers but that consultation with Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport in a box of imported Fijian ginger in forward. He said independent tests had con- The inquiry is looking into the levy levy payers was conducted by industry References Committee and is due to September were a different type of nema- Submissions are open until December firmed the live nematodes were root-knot system which uses payments from services bodies. report by June 30, 2015. tode, root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne 19 and a draft report is expected to be nematodes. growers to fund industry projects In response, inquiry member, South The inquiry was convened after NSW spp.), there are concerns about the nema- released by April 2015. The import review is looking at exist- including research and development Australian Liberal Senator Anne Ruston Liberal Democratic Senator David todes surviving quarantine fumigation. In a statement , Minister Joyce said: “It ing and new science on the quarantine as well as marketing. said: “I think one of the early recommen- Leyonhjelm opposed proposed levy Australian Banana Growers’ Council is important that industry and the com- status of burrowing nematodes and the Industries including sugar, pork dations that is likely to come out of this increases for the mushroom, mango and (ABGC) Chairman Doug Phillips wrote munity have confidence in the import efficacy of measures to manage identified and grains appeared at the inquiry’s hearing is that there has to be way more onion industries. to Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce protocols imposed by the Department of biosecurity risks. in October outlining the industry’s Agriculture to mitigate risk. I am pleased

Australian Bananas magazine | Summer 2014-2015 Summer 2014-2015 | Australian Bananas magazine 10 biosecurity BIOSECURITY 11 Freckle eradication Banana Freckle is the most serious banana- 0.75 cents-a-kg levy proposed pest incursion since black Sigatoka hit Tully in 2001. to fund freckle fight A national committee has consultative committee discussions on incursion since it was first detected in approved a $26 million the eradication. The Commonwealth July 2013. eradication. Government will pay the banana Information has also been provided industry’s share of the response costs about the need for an EPP levy. This A plan for a production levy of 0.75 and the ABGC is now proposing a 0.75 included a letter sent by the ABGC cents-a-kilogram is now being dis- cents-a-kilogram Emergency Plant Pest to all growers on October 10 this year cussed with banana growers to fund (EPP) Levy to repay the funds. when the final eradication response was the industry’s share of the Banana ABGC Chairman Doug Phillips said announced. Freckle eradication in the Northern the levy proposal had been discussed The eradication was approved after a Territory. at the ABGC’s Board meeting held on national consultative committee found it Under the terms of a joint government November 27 and 28. ABGC directors was technically feasible to eradicate the and industry agreement, the Emergency spoke about the potential amount disease. A national management group Plant Pest Response (EPPR) Deed, the per-kilogram and likely timeframe for of government and industry groups then Red-hot effort in six zones banana industry must contribute to repayment. decided to proceed. Freckle facts the eradication fund via a compulsory The levy will be paid in addition to In making their decision, the More than 45,000 residential prop- Field officers have been appointed and ●● new three-year plan to eradicate production levy. the existing 1.7 cents-per-kilogram groups considered an analysis from erties are in the NT’s six freckle-hit Australian Banana Growers’ Council Banana Freckle (Phyllosticta caven- Banana growers will contribute levy which funds industry research and Commonwealth Government economists “red zones” where surveillance and (ABGC) Yellow Sigatoka Liaison officer dishii) from Australia by mid 2017 between $11 million and $13 million development and banana marketing. from ABARES who conducted a benefit banana plant destruction has begun. Louis Lardi has visited the NT to assist with work started in October 2014 towards the eradication’s $26 million “We will be continuing to consult with cost analysis. This found the cost of the The summer wet season is a key danger in training the field officers in plant ●● total cost of eradication, including budget. The Northern Territory, State banana growers about the proposal for eradication to banana growers would be period for the spread of freckle, a fungal destruction and stem injection. work already conducted, estimated and Commonwealth Governments and repaying the EPP loan,” Mr Phillips said. many times lower than the cost if the spore which can move from plant-to- The effort is being led by National at about $26 million and jointly the nursery industry will contribute the “The ABGC Board’s proposal is disease spread to major growing regions. plant in water splashes – such as those Banana Freckle Eradication Program funded by banana growers, the nurs- balance. for the EPP levy to be struck at 0.75 “We wrote to banana growers on caused by rain. State Coordinator Kevin Cooper. ery industry and Commonwealth, The Australian Banana Growers’ cents-per-kilogram of bananas produced. October 10 and have now written again Visits to properties which are harder to Mr Cooper, formerly of the NSW State and Territory governments Council (ABGC) has been represent- On a carton basis, that equates to 9.75 to provide an update on the levy pro- access during the wet are among the pri- Department of Primary Industries, is a ●● commercial banana growers’ ing the banana industry in national cents for each 13-kilogram banana posal,” Mr Phillips said. “We will also be orities for field officers who are working veteran of emergency work including contribution expected to be about carton. contacting banana grower associations to have all banana plants within the red floods, fires and exotic disease outbreaks half, in the range of $11 million to “The levy will be paid by all com- and will discuss the issue at the associa- zones destroyed by next April. with his efforts s recognised in the 2013 $13 million, with a 0.75 cents-per-kg levy proposed mercial banana growers in Australia tions’ upcoming meetings.” It is expected that about one-quarter Australia Day honours list. and collected by the Commonwealth The EPP levy structure was put in of the properties have banana plants and He has worked on emergencies and ●● all banana plants to be removed from six “red” zones – the Greater Government’s Levies Revenue Service, in place in 2013 with the levy set at zero these will be destroyed by field officers or disasters including Newcastle Disease at Darwin area; Rum Jungle and until needed to fund a pest response. the same way as the existing R&D and by residents using guidelines provided as Mangrove Mountain in 1999, the horse Batchelor, south of Darwin; Dundee marketing levy. The freckle eradication will be the first part of the eradication. flu epidemic in 2007, and marine and Beach, south west of Darwin; “We are proposing that the levy should use of the levy by the banana industry Regulations for the destruction and plant pest incursions in 2010. He was Nauiyu/Daly River, south west of start on July 1, 2015 and we would and one of the first times the new EPP treatment of banana plants have been deployed to assist with Foot and Mouth Darwin; Milikapiti on Melville Island; expect it to be in place for about five to levy system has been used in Australian endorsed by the NT Government. Disease (FMD) operations in the UK in and the Ramingining Aboriginal six years. The exact time will depend on horticulture. It is a compulsory levy, 2001. community in west Arnhem Land banana production figures, the final cost unlike the voluntary levy used to fund The program has launched an exten- ●● a four-phase approach of removing of the freckle eradication and the EPP the successful eradication of black sive communications program including banana plants; a banana plant-free loan’s interest rate, which will be set to Sigatoka from north Queensland when a Banana Freckle Hotline, detailed red- period including a full wet season; match the inflation rate. the disease was found there in 2001. zone maps and information materials for controlled reintroduction and moni- “The proposed levy is based on Mr Phillips said any levy payers with the public and media and roadside signs toring of banana plants and assess- expectations of national banana annual comments or concerns about the levy identifying red zones. ment of freedom from the pest production averaging 25 million cartons, should discuss them at the upcoming More information is available at www. ●● movement controls for banana or 325,000 tonnes. This is below the banana grower association meetings or dpif.nt.gov.au/bananafreckle plants and fruit record annual production for the last raise them by 1 February with ABGC ●● Owner Reimbursement Costs (ORCs) financial year of 28.6 million cartons.” CEO Jim Pekin by emailing jim.pekin@ Above: Field officers travel throughout the for affected commercial banana Mr Phillips said banana growers had abgc.org.au red zones to destroy banana plants. growers and production nurseries. been kept informed about the freckle Left: Banana plants are cut down and stem Left: Eradication work in the NT. injected.

Australian Bananas magazine | Summer 2014-2015 Summer 2014-2015 | Australian Bananas magazine 12 biosecurity BIOSECURITY 13 Concerns over plant damage as magpie geese arrive

Magpie geese have been damaging crops in the Northern newly planted. The damage was so severe Territory and are now finding their way to Queensland. Gavin the block needed to be replanted. MacKay and Richard Piper provide this report on damage to It is possible behavioral change could see more damage to banana crops by banana plants in the Tully Valley and Murray Upper. magpie geese occurring in the future. Magpie geese have been found moved across to the adjacent block to This is the same phenomenon that has feeding on young banana plants in feed on growing banana plants. occurred with sacred ibis and seagulls the Tully Valley and Murray Upper They stripped back the outer leaf bases becoming urbanised and frequenting in what is believed to be the first on the main pseudostem and shredded rubbish dumps and suburban parks instances of the birds damaging the suckers. The geese had apparently where they feed on food scraps. bananas. also fed on the lower leaves of the plants Magpie geese have been reported to The geese were first seen late in 2013 resulting in a wave pattern on the leaf cause problems to rice, watermelon, in a Tully Valley plantation and on closer blade of some affected leaves. rambutan and mango growers in the examination were found to have dam- There appear to be no previous Northern Territory. There are reported aged a plant crop. published reports of damage to bananas to be two to three million of the geese In this instance, scrap bananas and by magpie geese. in the Territory and there is now debate bunch stalks had been deposited into a Another grower in the Murray Upper over how to minimise crop damage. fallow block. It appears the magpie geese area had damage to young plants in a Because magpie geese occur in flocks fed on the decaying scraps and then and are large birds, the potential for damage, should they start to damage banana crops, could be high if they were Above left: Pair of magpie geese resting to start favouring this crop. in a tree in the Tully Valley. Top right: It may be prudent to spread banana A sucker bent over and shredded by waste so that it dries out or rots more the geese. Above: leaf bases on the rapidly than to deposit it as a heap where pseudostem have been pulled down and stripped. Left: Wave-like pattern showing it can provide a food source for magpie where geese have fed on the lower edge geese. of this banana leaf. Another potential concern is the pos- sibility that the birds could carry banana pathogens, such as Panama disease, in any soil on their feet.

Magpie geese in a paddock on Mullins Road, Tully NT birds are back for a gander at Queensland

Magpie Geese are reported to be moving out of the Top End, The geese have also been reported to now being found in increasing numbers as far away as south damage irrigation by pecking at and east Queensland. piercing the lines. In the Territory, farmers who can show Media reports in recent months He told ABC National Rural News they have exhausted all other avenues have said the geese, a native bird, the birds now appear to be moving back for controlling the geese, such as use of have been sighted as far afield as south and are becoming an increasing netting and scaring devices, can apply Gympie, north of Brisbane. problem for farmers outside of the for a category of shooting licence known In the Northern Territory, there are Territory. as a Pest Mitigation Permit. However, reported to be two to three million of the In the Territory, the geese have the NT Government is investigating birds and the crop damage they cause has traditionally eaten bulbs out of the strategies other than shooting to deter increased in recent years. ground but the expansion of horticulture the birds. Territory wildlife expert Keith Saalfeld, there has given them a variety of crops to There is also a four-month waterfowl from the NT’s Department of Land choose from. This season, mango farmers hunting season, beginning in September, Resource Management, says magpie have reported crop losses with some when the birds can be shot for food, geese were once common in most parts hosting thousands of the geese on their with bag limits applying. There has been of Australia but moved north when their farms during harvest. debate about whether hunting worsens southern habitats were lost to develop- the problem by scaring geese away from ment or agriculture. swamplands and into farmland. Australian Bananas magazine | Summer 2014-2015 Summer 2014-2015 | Australian Bananas magazine 14 national roadshow NATIONAL ROADSHOW 15 Growers show the love for ‘speed-dating’ scientists

It’s been called banana science’s version of “speed dating” research and what other research they and it’s a concept that banana growers seem to have fallen in would find useful. love with. “We now have some great information on the issues that are of most interest The National Banana Roadshow was Presenters with years of research and to growers, both nationally and on a an industry first – a road trip taking technical experience were given only a regional basis.” some of Australia’s top banana strictly-policed, ten-minute timeslot to Attendees from across Australia, at scientists and industry experts on tell banana growers and industry partners sessions in north Queensland, northern a six-stop, three-state tour to visit the key points about their projects. and mid-north coast New South Wales banana growers on their home The days had three major themes – and Carnarvon in Western Australia, all patch. farm production and best environmental provided enthusiastic feedback on the practice; farm business and marketing roadshow. and supply chain management. They rated the roadshows using Topics included soil health and electronic polling keypads and the results Panama Disease, disease-resistant and have been impressive. new banana varieties, leaf disease, best The event achieved a major upgrade management practices, plant nutrients in knowledge about the research projects and sediment, chemical registrations, that are a key to improving banana banana marketing and supply chain, farming practices. carton design, benchmarking farming At the start of the roadshows, 84 profitability and international production per cent of participants had rated their insights. knowledge of research projects at the Discussing the presentations at the Tully The snappy 10-minute presentation lower end of a five-point scale – in the roadshow, are growers Stephen Lowe format allowed up to 15 presentations at range of one to three. Only 16 per cent (left) and Jenny Wells each session as well as group discussions, rated themselves in the top two levels. questions and feedback from attendees. By the end of the event, that result had National Banana Development and While some of the presentations were flipped with 71 per cent of participants Extension Program leader Naomi King at the Tully roadshow with, from left, Aiden What the Roadshow made at each roadshow stop there were rating their knowledge about the projects MacKay, Paul Inderbitzin, Caleb Matthews, also some especially tailored for specific in the top two levels, an increase of 55 Keith Rixon, Stephen Lowe and Paul growers said snapshot regional issues. Video presentations were percentage points. Johnston. also included and showed footage of Other impressive results were that As reported in the last edition of ●● More than 150 attendees carton design, tissue culture science and 90 per cent of participants said they Naomi is leaving the Queensland Australian Bananas, growers who international growing practices. either would change or were thinking of Department of Agriculture, Fisheries attended the first roadshows at ●● Banana grower and indus- The roadshow was part of the levy- changing a farming practice based on the and Forestry, which delivers the National Murwillumbah in northern NSW and try partners participated funded National Banana Development information they heard about on the day. Banana Development and Extension Coffs Harbour on the mid-north Tully grower Aiden MacKay (centre) and Extension Program led by banana The roadshows seem assured of strong Program. coast, were enthusiastic about the ●● Achieved a major upgrade discusses industry issues with ABGC scientist Naomi King. continuing interest from growers with event. in knowledge about CEO Jim Pekin and Lakeland grower Paul Inderbitzin (backs to camera) and Tully Naomi said the roadshows had been 98 per cent saying they’d attend another Comments from the north Queensland research projects grower Keith Rixon. a valuable way to find out how science event. roadshows were equally appreciative: could help growers and the industry The roadshows are now planned to be Stephen Lowe: “The ten-minute ●● 90% of participants to achieve their production goals. held every second year with the next ones format is a winner, the presenters have consider or make changes The ten-minute presentation format to be held in 2016. This slots them into to put all the main points in to that to farming practices based had been a hit with growers. the years between the Banana Industry’s timeframe and you can’t fall asleep in ten on roadshow information “We told them it was banana science’s major event, the biennial Banana minutes! It’s great to have the researchers version of speed dating – a chance for sci- Industry Congress. presenting directly to us.” ●● 98% would attend a future entists to talk about the most interesting Ms King said the two events would Craig Buchanan: “It was just a good roadshow and 62% said aspects of their work. The growers loved work well together to provide informa- day all round. There was a little bit of they would also recom- the idea and the scientists have also been tion to growers in a variety of formats. everything. I like all the soil health stuff.” mend the roadshow to very pleased with the response. Roadshow co-ordinators, Queensland Adrian Crema: “There was a great others “The event not only gave banana Handover Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and variety of information. I really enjoyed Forestry horticulturists Stewart Lindsay scientists the chance to tell growers about Banana Roadshow leader Naomi King and program leader Naomi King at the Paul Inderbitzin’s video presentation ●● 94% of participants rated their work, just as importantly, it gave will be handing over the role to another final roadshow at Walkamin. on his Nuffield Scholarship studies. He the day 7 or higher, out of Banana growers at the roadshow held for growers the chance to talk directly with researcher following her move to a new hit every nail on the head. It’s all about 10 Tablelands growers at Walkamin in north scientists about how they can use that industry position in 2015. bunch care, and I loved the comment Queensland. ‘the shed’s not a hospital’.” Australian Bananas magazine | Summer 2014-2015 Summer 2014-2015 | Australian Bananas magazine 16 national roadshow NATIONAL ROADSHOW 17 Soils ain’t soils, national grower survey finds A ‘yes’ to new systems but ‘no’ to trees by Tony Pattison Improving soil health on Australia’s banana farms will require field visits had suggested the following practice was more important obtained a Biggest difference a range of actions to suit individual regions, according to an were among the top soil-health priorities: The national survey of growers at greater result (Figure 1). The practice with the greatest analysis of grower surveys conducted at the national banana ƒƒplant-parasitic nematodes (all regions) the banana roadshows has found To summarise the results, the responses difference between subtropical and ƒƒnutrient and soil organic matter substantial differences in require- were compared between tropical and tropical production regions was GPS- roadshow. management (all regions) ments for improving and managing subtropical banana production. Three and-controlled-traffic systems (Figure 2, The surveys spanned both subtrop- “The answers growers gave us were ƒƒmanagement of Panama disease and soil health. roadshow workshops were held in each Q10). This was primarily due to subtrop- ical and tropical banana-growing really informative and showed some erosion control (NSW) While all growers expressed interest production zone. ical banana production being on sloping regions and have provided valuable strong regional differences in what’s ƒƒsalinity, sodicity and water quality in redesigning their production systems ground and smaller farms, making this information on what growers from required for improving soil health,” Dr (WA). to improve soil health, there was a range System redesign type of technology inappropriate for different regions need to improve Pattison said. The roadshow survey took that of views on the best way to achieve the Banana growers in tropical and many subtropical farms where use of soil quality. “This is the first time we’ve been able information one step further by looking results. subtropical banana growing region s were machinery was limited. Queensland Department of to assess the views of growers from across at some of ways to manage those issues In the surveys, growers were asked to interested in soil health and were willing Conversely, in the tropics where there Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Australia on a series of soil-health topics. and ideas for using agro-ecology methods respond to 11 questions (Table 1), giving to redesign their production systems if it is greater mechanisation of banana (DAFF) scientist Dr Tony Pattison The information will be very useful in on banana farms. These included: a rating on a five-point scale, one being improved soil health and reduced inputs production and traffic within banana conducted the surveys during soil-health helping banana scientists to focus on the ƒƒgroundcover management of no importance through to five being (Figure 2 Q1). paddocks, there was interest in devel- presentations given at each of the six issues of importance to growers and the ƒƒfertiliser and water management very important. The workshop where participants oping and implementing this type of roadshow stops. solutions that will work best on their ƒƒcropping design Percentages were calculated for banana expressed the greatest interest in soil technology. The presentations included topics farms. ƒƒorganic amendments and growers’ responses to each question. health and willingness to change was in previously rated by some growers as “There are big differences among the ƒƒcomputer based, farm management Then, to gain a better idea of the Innisfail. Soil moisture important. Some new topics relating to regions including issues such as rainfall decision-aids. importance of each potential soil health The use of tree legumes, agroforestry The management option with the agro-ecosystem management were also and use of irrigation, whether farms are The accompanying story is Dr practice, a weighting was given so that and agro-ecological practices to improve greatest weighting in the tropics was added for growers to consider. These on flat or sloping land, and the size of Pattison’s analysis summarising growers’ the percentage of growers that believed a soil health and reduce foliar diseases question 7, with regards to use of included ideas such as intercropping farms. responses. were unpopular in both the tropics and soil-moisture-monitoring equipment in Nitrogen-fixing trees among bananas. “Something that’s right for the subtropics (Figure 2, Q5). It was thought banana plantations, which growers saw as Growers were surveyed using individ- wet tropics won’t necessarily work in Below: Growers in north Queensland were Below: All growers gave a high-impor- that this was because it added additional important and which could be imple- ual electronic key pads that recorded Carnarvon or New South Wales.” most interested in GPS-guided tractors, tance rating to the use of organic amend- complexity to crop management, was mented, particularly on the Atherton such as this one, being used to plant ments for soil-health improvement. It was their votes on how important the soil- Dr Pattison said previous interviews bananas. The yellow GPS sensor can be the most important issue for subtropical unproven and had been associated with Tablelands. health practices would be on their farms. with growers at various field days and seen on the tractor cab. banana growers. lower productivity in some cases. Continued next page >

Australian Bananas magazine | Summer 2014-2015 Summer 2014-2015 | Australian Bananas magazine 18 growers’ response FARM PRACTICES 19

Figure 2: Contrasting banana growers’ responses in banana growing areas to impor- Table 1: Questions asked to road- tance of four questions dealing with soil health. Beat the drum for cleaner farms show participants about soil health management options. Empty agvet chemical containers can be a health hazard to disposes of unwanted and out-of-date Q1 Would you be willing to redesign both users and the environment, but a common dilemma is farm chemicals. your banana production system if safely disposing of them. But drumMUSTER and ChemClear it improved soil health and reduced are more than just a tick in the box for inputs? The Australian Banana Growers’ “The banana industry, like other hor- QA. They represent a firm commitment Q2 Would you be willing to try or do Council (ABGC) is encouraging ticulture and agriculture industries, has from local businesses to doing the right you currently use interplant ground banana growers to take advantage been working hard to further improve thing for the safety and reputation of covers? of the drumMUSTER program to farm practices,” said Mr Phillips. their customers, their community and Q3 Would you be willing to try or do recycle their drums. With summer you currently use predatory mites “Banana growers helped develop our their staff. with groundcovers? and the cyclone season here, now is own Best Management Practices guide- drumMUSTER National Program the perfect time to act. Q4 Would you be willing to try or lines so we could make sure we set high Manager Allan McGann said chemical do you currently use organic An industry stewardship program set standards for everything we do on-farm, users should take advantage of both amendments? up in 1999, drumMUSTER is a fantastic including the disposal of used chem- programs to satisfy their QA auditors. Q5 Would you be willing to try or do disposal outlet for users across the nation. ical containers. Our BMP guidelines “Using programs like drumMUSTER you currently use intercropping Once collected, the containers are advise triple rinsing the insides of used and ChemClear not only shows you’re with N fixing trees? shredded and transformed into practical containers and disposing of them using meeting the requirements of QA pro- Q6 Would you be willing to try or do items such as plastic cable covers, wheelie drumMUSTER,” he said. grams, but you’re also preventing waste you currently use controlled release bins, road signs and bollards. Mr Hoey encourages growers to also from ending up in the wrong place,” he fertilisers? Banana-growing regions across the let their neighbours know about the said. Q7 Would you be willing to try or country have numerous collection sites program as everyone should be involved. Mr Phillips said, “When banana do you currently use soil mois- available to them and Colin Hoey, “drumMUSTER is heading towards growers use drumMUSTER they can be ture monitoring and irrigation drum scheduling? MUSTER Regional Consultant, recycling 25 million drums and banana sure they’re following best practice for is available to assist chemical users with growers are urged to participate in disposing of used chemical containers.” Q8 Would you be willing to try or do you currently use fallow crops and any enquiries they may have about the reaching the milestone.” For further information on the rotations? ... continued from previous page program. drumMUSTER and another program, drumMUSTER or ChemClear programs, Q9 Would you be willing to try or do Whether you have one drum or 100 ChemClear, are ideally set up to meet call (02) 6230 4799 or log on to www. you currently use minimum tillage However, the Carnarvon region also issues; some are more suited to specific drums, take them to a collection site chemical user requirements for quality drummuster.com.au or www.chemclear. or permanent beds? saw the use of irrigation technology as banana production regions than others. and join the growing band of farmers assurance (QA) programs. ChemClear com.au. Q10 Would you be willing to try or do very important to their production sys- Furthermore, the interests of banana who are being proactive with farm waste is a jointly funded program which safely you currently use controlled traffic tems. In the tropics, question 8 on fallow growers in managing soil-related issues recycling. A receipt is issued on deliv- GPS systems? management and rotation crops was were quite different in each region. ery and is suitable as proof in all Best Q11 Would you be willing to try or seen as important, particularly on the Therefore, different agro-ecological Management Practices (BMP) programs. do you currently use computer wet tropical coast (Innisfail and Tully) management practices are required to be “It’s good practice to dispose of drums based decision aids or precision where fallow crops are used to manage tested in the different banana production on a regular basis, and I recommend agriculture? plant-parasitic nematodes. regions to improve soil health. visiting a collection site at least once a In the tropics, there was a greater scope year,” said Mr Hoey. Subtropics for inclusion of high technology and Stoters Hill Transfer Station, operated In the subtropics, the practice which mechanised solutions, due to the scale by Cassowary Coast Regional Council, Figure 1: Responses to importance of soil created the greatest interest was the and mechanisation of the production is one of a number of ongoing collection health practices by banana growers in use of soil organic amendments, which system. sites available to banana growers in far subtropical and tropical growing regions. could promote soil health. This was In the subtropics, the use of amend- north Queensland. The site has collected particularly the case in Carnarvon and ments in semi-permanent banana 51,577 containers since it opened in June Murwillumbah areas, with less interest in plantations on sloping land generated the 2011. In northern NSW, Coffs Harbour the Coffs Harbour area (Figure 2, Q4). most interest. However, in the Carnarvon Waste Management Facility has collected banana-production region any practice 19,686 containers from growers since Regional solutions that increased water use was dismissed, 2008. The results from the soil-health survey due to the scarcity of water. ABGC Chairman Doug Phillips highlighted that practices which address Therefore, just as there are unique believes drumMUSTER provides growers soil-health constraints such as low banana production environments there with a quick, easy, environmentally organic matter levels, soil-borne diseases, are also unique banana production friendly way to dispose of used chemical nutrients, water, erosion, sodicity and systems required for the different banana containers. salinity are not prescriptive, with no production regions to improve soil technique that would address the needs health. of all banana growers. For more information contact the The Stotters Hill collection site is one As there are unique problems faced author by emailing Tony.Pattison@daff. of the sites in banana growing regions by banana growers in each region, there qld.gov.au where empty containers can be taken for are different methods of addressing the recycling. Australian Bananas magazine | Summer 2014-2015 Summer 2014-2015 | Australian Bananas magazine 20 irrigation feature 21 Irrigation without the irritation Taking heed of a few simple tips could be all you need to get more out of irrigation and “You don’t need to do a lot to get a lot “If we don’t get that system right it’s fertigation systems. Irrigation specialist Pat Daley toured north Queensland banana farms more out of your irrigation system,” Pat difficult to get the rest right.” as part of the Reef Water Quality Program to provide some advice. Pat spoke with ABGC said. Pat says the capital cost of the pump Pat also also had some more in depth can be fairly insignificant compared with Communications Manager Rhyll Cronin. tips for growers on installing and upgrad- ongoing energy costs and maintenance. ing systems, including the addition of All pumps have a best efficiency point Narrow suction pipes, fittings in fertigation to existing irrigation systems and Pat says “it’s not about how big or the wrong places and a lack of air and introducing automation. how small the pump is - it’s about the valves – in a week of visits to north Pat, from Daley’s Water Service, is cost per megalitre.” Queensland banana farms these based in south east Queensland but He also says the pump must fit the were just a few of the problems consults to a range of farms, including job you need it to do. It’s something to found by irrigation expert Pat Daley. some in North Queensland. He is not a think about when looking at the size and An Electrical and Conductivity (EC) and They’re simple things but the impacts product supplier or reseller and provided location of your blocks. “If the pump salinity meter checks the amount of nutrient passing through the fertigation are significant for the effectiveness, independent advice as part of the project. really only suits 10 per cent of the area system. maintenance and running costs of the Here’s some tips from Pat: then there are probably better ways to do systems. the job.” readings and send more accurate signals Pat, a 37-year veteran of troubleshoot- Soil condition Growers can look at having a bigger to the drive. ing such issues admits he can talk all day Properly assessing your soil condition pump that runs at slower revs and about the topic. is the number one factor in success with provides better suction and longer pump Cost efficiency “It’s not always about reducing the irrigation and fertigation. Pat says there life. Pat says growers need to think about amount of water you use - it’s about are “infiltration limitations” that is, the cost of every megalitre of water used getting the timing right and getting more limits to the amount of water the soil can Variable-speed drives and how many megalitres are required to out of that water,” Pat says. handle over time. Growers should also consider using a irrigate each hectare. “By scheduling right you will get more Sandy soil means water and nutrients variable-speed drive which Pat says goes The pressure the pump runs at has a out of the crop and if you get your crop could be flowing through without much hand-in-hand with automation. big impact on running costs. “Every PSI and nutrient efficiency right it will also benefit. Similarly, there could be a barrier The drive adjusts the hertz and this is costing you,” Pat says. An analysis he reduce the cost of the power.” to water and nutrients entering the soil governs the pump speed. The advantage has done shows the costs for irrigating As part of the Reef Water Quality with them ending up as run off. of the drive is that it avoids burning off with one megalitre of water can vary Program, which is helping growers to Once you know what your soil can energy because it ramps the speed up or dramatically - from $45.25 to $175.13. install infrastructure including irriga- handle, other factors to then look at down to suit what’s needed to irrigate Pat says the best efficiency for pump Innisfail grower Rob Zahra (left) with ABGC Reef Rescue Officer Robert Mayers (centre) tion and fertigation systems, Pat and include drainage, water quality, irrigation different blocks. Pat advises setting pump operation is one that achieves the best and irrigation expert Pat Daley during an on-farm assessment of irrigation systems. ABGC Reef Rescue Officer Robert design and scheduling, nutrient applica- pressure at the controller. efficiency point for both pump and Mayers visited eight banana farms that tion and scheduling and the return on To get the most out of a variable-speed motor. have recently installed a range of new investment you’d like to achieve. drive, team it with a pump that has a Things to look out for are pump speed equipment. Pat then spoke at a half-day steep performance curve. and the creation of damaging cavitation workshop open to all banana growers Crop efficiency An advantage of the drives are that that can cause changes in pressure and to help them get the best out of their Pat says crop water-use efficiency and they can clean up “dirty power” – elec- reduce the pump’s life. irrigation and fertigation systems. crop nutrient-efficiency are what it’s all tricity that doesn’t flow constantly but Continued next page > The Reef Water Quality Program about. “You might find out you have has spikes. This keeps the motor running is funded by the Commonwealth increased production by using the same efficiently and reduces the current draw Growers should calculate the output of Government as part of initiatives to amounts – you’re just using them better,” on start-up. sprinklers in millimetres-per-hour. improve water quality in the Great he says. It can also help reduce suction cavi- Barrier Reef lagoon. “What you’re wanting to do is drip tation – voids created within the water More than 40 projects were approved feed the plant. You need to work out as it’s drawn into the pump - that can this year (see story, Pate 23)with many what’s needed at any particular time of damage pumps on start up. being for irrigation and fertigation the crop cycle. Being able to adjust the systems that make the best use of water system to do that is where you really get Locating the transducer and nutrients and minimise run off into the benefits.” The pressure transducer should be waterways. located away from the pump. Pat prefers Some of the problems Pat saw during Pump factors to see it before the filter and not after his farm visits, such as the problems “I consider the pump as the heart of – the worst place to locate it is on the with pipes, fittings and valves mentioned the operation, the filters are like the discharge valve of the pump. above, can be quickly and easily fixed at lungs and the pipe work is the arteries Having the transducer correctly little cost. and capillaries,” Pat says. positioned will help give more accurate Australian Bananas magazine | Summer 2014-2015 Summer 2014-2015 | Australian Bananas magazine 22 irrigation feature continued REEF WATER QUALITY 23

Kilowatts V Kilowatt hours Pat says an irrigation diary is a good depending on evaporation loss and irriga- These are not the same and Pat warns way to start documenting water use tion efficiency. Growers work on reef brief growers not to confuse the two when and requirements and working out the Growers need to know the output in calculating the expected cost of running megalitres used per units of fruit. millimetres-per-hour of their sprinklers. Most of the north Queensland banana farm projects that are their pumps. Pat is very much in favour of using improving water quality in the Great Barrier Reef lagoon He also advises to think about the probes but warns there are some traps. Fertigation tanks are complete or due to be in place by next June. Meanwhile, cost of diesel versus electricity, as well as “I’m very pro using soil moisture Growers should look at the design of diesel versus biodiesel fuels when looking probes. But you need to know that their fertigation tanks. Pat says tanks applications for the next round of grants are set to open in at running costs. For instance, biodiesel it gives you a snapshot and it’s not with a conical bottom, like aquaculture late January 2015. may be better priced but may not pro- indicative of the whole farm. Going out tanks, have advantages – for example, duce energy as efficiently as conventional on the farm and checking trees is still there are no internal edges to clean. More than 40 projects were maximum benefit to the environment. diesel. important.” He advises against systems using but- approved in 2014 as part of the Funding is being used for things such as Pat says the simple manual-read terfly valves and says valves should never Reef Water Quality Grants Program manual or automated fertigation systems, Fertigation systems are best and he doesn’t favour be used to control the flow of water. which gives banana growers finan- side-throw slashers, fertiliser spreaders The placement of fertigation tanks can probes being connected to automated Some systems allow fertigaton of dif- cial subsidies for projects improving and improvements to block levels, have a big impact on the efficiency of the systems “because you can get it wrong ferent nutrients, flushing out the system farming practices. contouring permanent beds and better fertigation and the life of the pump. pretty quickly by going down that track”. before moving to the next product. Australian Banana Growers’ Council on-farm roads and drainage. Robert Mayers checking a pump station as “Many people are putting their ferti- He also says growers should look at Pat also advises to use an EC (Electrical (ABGC) Reef Rescue Officer Robert “The end result is that farms are mak- part of the project’s extension activities. gation on the suction side of the pump,” their under-tree sprinkler design to check and Conductivity) meter rather than dye Mayers is working with grants manager ing better use of water and nutrients and Pat says. “If it’s cavitating and you’re for leaks where the poly has not sealed when checking nutrient distribution. A Terrain Natural Resource Management are improving the quality of the water- In the two rounds of projects approved putting fertigation in there it will reduce around the sprinkler connecting-tube handheld meter will check the level of on the Commonwealth Government- ways that feed into the Great Barrier Reef this year, Round 6 projects have mostly the pump’s life expectancy. It’s a pretty barb. Placement of probes in relation to nutrients getting through and the time funded project. lagoon by reducing run-off and erosion. completed, with a final deadline of important one to get right for the life sprinklers was also important to make taken to reach the paddock. “Banana growers in all the north “A great benefit of the program is that December 31. Round 7 projects have expectancy of the pump and the results sure readings were as accurate as possible. Queensland growing regions have partic- there is also support extended to growers until June 30 next year to be completed. you’ll get from fertigation.” Air valves ipated in the latest two rounds of grants to help ensure they are making best The grants are divided into categories Pat says the setup of the irrigation Watering at night Pat says air valves are a critical part and the response has been overwhelm- use of new equipment, such as slashers, of small grants, single farms and multi- blocks will affect fertigation rates across Pat’s advice on night time watering was of an irrigation system. Without them, ingly positive,” Robert said. fertiliser spreaders and irrigation and farms. The grants provide a maximum of a block. “Some plants will not be getting one of the most informative for growers air builds up inside the pipes and, with “The grants are helping growers to fertigation systems. 50% support - from $2,000 to $5,000 enough nutrients and others will be who take advantage of night-time nowhere to go, it reduces the space for improve farming practices as well as “It’s a great win for the environment for the small grants, $5,000 to $30,000 getting more than they need. electricity tariffs to cut watering costs. water flow. making farming tasks, such as running and the growers are very happy to be for single farms and $5,000 to $150,000 “It’s usually a maintenance issue rather “You need to question why you irrigate At the banana farms he visited, about and maintaining irrigation systems, more improving their farming practices and for multifarms. than a design issue.” at night time,” Pat says. “Plants, apart half did not have enough air valves. manageable. farming more sustainably. As an added from those in the pineapple family, take He recommends an air valve on the “Projects are prioritised to make sure incentive, the projects are also helping to Soil-moisture monitoring water up during the day. All other plants, upstream side of every water valve, placed the investment being made has the make some farming tasks a little easier.” There are a variety of devices to including bananas, don’t feed at night. at the highest point on the pipe. monitor soil moisture including hand- If you’re on sandy soil you need to think “Without an air valve, no matter what held devices that take a vacuum reading, about the wisdom of irrigating at night.” velocity you have in the flow you’re not gypsum probes which show a green light Pat advises to make sure if you’re going to be able to get the air out of Tiger drives an automatic when the moisture profile is reached, and taking advantage of lower night-time there – there’s nowhere for it to go,” he solar-powered systems that can send data electricity tariffs to ensure that the water says. “How good is this thing?” is East Palmerston grower Tiger straight to a smartphone. used will still be available to the plants “The air in there will restrict the flow Mereider’s thoughts on the automated irrigation system he for their daytime uptake. of water through the line. The air bubble had installed with the assistance of a Reef Water Quality takes up room in the pipe.” Using crop factors grant. “I should have done this ten years ago.” Growers should look at crop factor Contour ratings when working out how much Pat says growers who are setting up Tiger is a banana farmer who that one, then washing that one. I did water their plants need. For example, a irrigation systems from scratch should believes in giving his bananas all that for years,” he said. small tree might have a crop factor of 0.4 consider designing them to follow block they need to ensure top quality Tiger initially had some reservations but a mature tree that’s filling a bunch contours. fruit. “I’m pretty dedicated when it about making the change thinking “I’ll could be 1.2. “For those who have been in a ‘square comes to my babies,” he says of his never be able to drive it, I’m lucky to Pat says the value of using the crop world’, farming in rows, it may be diffi- crop. “I put everything into it.” drive a telephone!” But he took some factors is that you can look at rainfall cult to get your head around, but there Tiger was used to running his irriga- time to learn the system and finds it and evaporation data from the Bureau are a lot of advantages in going with the tion and fertigation system manually, and quick and easy to use. of Meteorology and work out what the contour.” all that went with it – including about six He now gets better irrigation and evaporation loss has been for a day and Included is better pump operation and visits to the pumping station daily and fertigation results and has freed up time what needs to be put on the next day to consistency of water flows and distribu- sorting out problems at all hours. “I’d for other farm work. Pat, Rob and Robert at Rob’s upgraded satisfy the plant. tion of nutrients. go down there at night and be holding pump station. A check found excellent There are calculators to allow growers a little LED torch in my mouth to be East Palmerston grower Tiger Mereider at nutrient flow rates had been achieved by his newly automated pump station. the fertigation system. to work out how much to irrigate working on it – undoing filters, washing

Australian Bananas magazine | Summer 2014-2015 Summer 2014-2015 | Australian Bananas magazine 24 energy feature SMART SAVINGS 25 James finds ways to kill a bill Orchards find ways to lay off the juice When Walkamin-based growers For the cost of a Level 2 assessment If Howe Farming Enterprises also Major savings in farm energy use and costs have been ƒƒfindings on “cost effective” saving Howe Farming Enterprises decided ($990), Cary White undertook a com- swapped the remaining 50 fluoro identified in a year-long study of fruit orchards. opportunities with a payback period it was time to start cultivating some prehensive on-site survey and equipment tubes used elsewhere on site with LED of six years or less showed savings energy-saving measures to reduce analysis that identified thousands of lighting, they would save almost another An estimated $921,302 in com- KEfficiency Information Grant (EEIG) opportunities valued at $519,160 – costs, they called the Kill-a-Watt dollars in potential energy savings per $1000 per year. Replacing the high bay bined annual energy savings were program. representing reductions of 7 per cent in campaign. year for the banana farm. induction lights in the main packing area identified for 30 orchards that At time of writing a final technical usage and 9 per cent in costs. Regional Development Australia Refrigeration costs are a hot-potato and extension shed with LED equivalents participated in the nationwide study report was being prepared. A draft report The report found there was a lack has launched the campaign – funded issue for most growers, and Howe would slash an extra $1,250 from their – more than $30,000 on average for showed the following: of knowledge among temperate fruit by the Commonwealth Government’s Farming Enterprises is no exception. annual power bill. each business. ƒƒthe audited farms spent a combined industry small-to-medium enterprises Department of Industry and exclusive Their refrigeration system accounted Sometimes it is easy to overlook small And while the study was conducted for $5.7 million annually on energy (Table (SMEs) on tariffs, energy consumption to Far North Queensland – to help local for almost 60 percent of total energy areas of energy wastage, while focussing the temperate fruit industry – including 1) and efficiency. businesses and community organisations consumption on site – costing about on the big ticket items. However, even apples, pears, summerfruit and cherries – ƒƒcombined savings for the audited farms “Many SMEs in the industry already identify ways to slash their electricity $60,000 annually to operate. minor savings can add up. its findings are also of interest to banana of 5.5 million kWh of energy use struggle financially and therefore were usage. When Mr White inspected the cool The energy assessor noted that one of growers. (electricity and LPG) eager for information on practical ways to Howe Farming Enterprises manager rooms in August he found a significant the display fridges in the outdoor canteen Energy savings were identified for ƒƒthe savings represented a 13 per cent reduce their operating costs and improve James Howe asked Kill-a-Watt energy amount of energy was literally walking was leaking and not closing properly equipment also used on banana farms reduction in energy usage and a 16 cash flow,” the report stated. “Reducing assessor and qualified engineer, Cary out the door, because the main doors to – allowing cool air to escape from the such as irrigation pumps, cool rooms, per cent reduction in costs valued at energy costs, with resulting benefits White, to investigate power-saving the chiller room were being left open for bottom of the seals. packing shed equipment and lighting as $921,302 (Table 2) of lowering their carbon footprint, opportunities on one of their farms extended periods, allowing cool air to He also recommended turning off the well as in electricity tariffs. ƒƒelectricity was the largest energy cost is an important part of reversing this which includes a packing shed, cool escape. Low stock levels at the time just canteen kitchen appliances, including The Watts in Your Business program, for the audited farms situation.” room storage, administration block and exacerbated the energy wastage. ovens and grills, when not in use, to developed by the Apple and Pear ƒƒthey paid on average $0.20 per KWH The study also produced fact sheets outdoor canteen. “These factors combined could be reduce both their power use and the Australia Ltd (APAL) Watts in Your for packhouses and $0.22 kWh for including: “I’ve noticed a lot of areas I would like inflating the running costs of the refriger- amount of energy required by the Business team, was funded by the irrigation ƒƒrefrigeration in packing sheds to improve in terms of efficiency, but ation system by up to 300 percent,” air-conditioner to deal with the heat they Commonwealth Government’s Energy ƒƒirrigation in orchards didn’t know the right approach,” said he calculated “because the cool rooms generate. ƒƒgrading in packing sheds Table 1: Total Program Baseline Energy Consumption and Costs Mr Howe. “The opportunity to have a are not reaching their set temperature Howe Farming Enterprises already ƒƒlighting in packing sheds Energy Source Usage Usage (kWh) Usage % Costs Cost % ƒ government-subsidised energy assessment quickly – if at all.” have a roof-top 30 KW PV solar system Electricity (kWh) 20,257,165 20,257,165 48% $3,700,501 65% ƒelectricity tariffs was too good to pass up.” Mr White advised Howe Farming installed last year. Mr Howe said figures Fuel (Litres) 1,015,653 10,867,487 26% $1,435,805 25% and case studies including: Enterprises to consider installing auto- on solar energy output from November LPG (Litres) 1,506,331 10,628,002 25% $541,521 9% ƒƒvoltage power optimisation – opti- matic doors. “This will lead to a reduc- through to the end of July showed that, Natural Gas (kWh) 850,179 850,179 2% $34,947 1% mising incoming site voltage to assist tion in the duty cycle of the refrigeration based on the electricity tariff being used Total (kWh) N/A 42,545,402 100% $5,712,774 100% inductive loads in operating more James Howe at the Walkamin farm. system – and automatically reduce energy for that period, the solar system had efficiently Recommendations on cool room opera- consumption.” saved about $8,900 in electricity charges. ƒƒVSDs for irrigation – using variable tions were part of the energy audit. Table 2: Total Program Usage and Cost Savings Breakdown – all opportunities If automatic doors were not practical After discounts, the solar system cost speed drives to reduce unnecessary to operate, placing flexible plastic blinds about $50,000. Energy Source Energy Savings kWh conversion Usage reduction Cost Savings Costs Reduction pump energy Electricity (kWh) 5,374,874 5,374,874 27% $899,761 24% over cool room entrance ways was an Mr White advised Howes to consider ƒƒInstalling VSDs in cool rooms LPG (Litres) 23,037 142,372 2% $21,541 4% ƒ alternative option. “These need to hang extending it to a 100 KW system. Natural Gas (kWh) 0 0 0% $0 0% ƒautomated cool room doors – keeping from top to bottom with minimal air “The annual yield from a 70 KW Fuel (Litres) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A doors shut and reducing operation of gaps,” he added. extension, facing north/south, would be Total (kWh) N/A 5,517,246 13% $921,302 16% the refrigeration system Lighting is not often viewed as a 115,000 KW,” he calculated. “However, ƒƒLED lighting – installing energy high-energy consumer, but it can eventu- they would need to obtain approval for efficient lighting ally make growers such as Howe Farming the extension from Ergon Energy first.” Table 3: Total Program Cost Effective Usage and Cost Savings Breakdown ƒƒsolar energy – Installing solar PV panels Enterprises see red when it comes to The energy assessment provided Howe Energy Source Energy Savings kWh savings Usage Reduction Cost Savings Costs Reduction to generate electricity on site power costs. Farming Enterprises with plenty of food Electricity (kWh) 2,860,790 2,860,790 14% $508,399 14% ƒƒtiming peak energy use – installing “Over time, the large amount of fluoro for thought. LPG (Litres) 15,714 77,853 1% $10,761 2% Smart Meters or staging irrigation for lighting – mainly T8 battens – used “It was very thorough and alerted us to Natural Gas (kWh) 0 0 0% $0 0% use in the off-peak period. Fuel (Litres) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A in the factory not only add to power certain practices we had never considered Both fact sheets and case studies are Total (kWh) N/A 2,938,643 7% $519,160 9% consumption, but also the base load inefficient – but it turns out there are being shared with the broader horticul- demand charges incurred under Ergon better ways of going about it,” said Mr ture industry and can be viewed at http:// Energy’s Tariff 44 for large businesses,” Howe. Table 4: Program Breakdown of Industry KPIs apal.org.au/watts-in-your-business/ Mr White said. More information on the Kill-a-watt Usage Key Performance Indicators (KPI) Cost KPI (dollars per The final report, “Watts in Your Energy Source Replacing the 90 fluoro tubes in the campaign is available at www.kill-a-watt. (energy source per tonne of fruit produced) tonne of fruit produced) Business: Final Technical Report” will cool rooms with more energy-efficient com.au. To book a Kill-a-Watt energy Electricity (kWh) 147 $27 also be posted on the website. LED lights would save the business assessment, phone 1300 545 529. LPG (Litres) 11 $4 almost $2,300 per year, he calculated. Fuel (Litres) 15 $21 Total (kWh) 309 $41 Kill-a-Watt facts, Page 27 >

Australian Bananas magazine | Summer 2014-2015 Summer 2014-2015 | Australian Bananas magazine 26 next-gen scientist PROFILE 27

Studies grow Emily’s science-career hopes Tell us about some of the research agricultural science to go into the sheep As a university student still living in topics in the banana industry you industry, but after university went into college I can’t cook, so sorry, can’t help Who’ll be part of the next generation of horticultural Stewart has been a great mentor and think would be the most interesting to nematodes in wheat and then for the last you there. But my sister makes a killer scientists? We talk to University of Queensland agricultural his passion for bananas is contagious. I work on. 20 years has been working with nema- banana smoothie. I would have no idea science student Emily Pattison, of Innisfail, who sees some am hopefully going to be able to find a I spent last holidays helping with todes in bananas. I know how much he how to do it myself though. place back there these holidays. a project that was developing a new loves that, and he certainly wouldn’t have When you’ve got some time off, what exciting career opportunities in horticulture. Another amazing opportunity I’ve method of nurse suckering, which I really seen himself ending up there. are some of your favourite pastimes? assignment and then began to start had is to attend the International enjoyed. How do you like your bananas, I am a die-hard cyclist. I haven’t been showing an interest in the agriculture Horticultural Congress in Brisbane in Another project I have worked in is fresh or cooked? What’s your favourite in a while because I’m scared of the around Innisfail, which lead me to really August. I really enjoyed being able to using crop rotations with brassicas and banana recipe and how often do you magpies around Gatton. But when I get enjoying working with bananas. experience what it’s like to be in the Rhodes grass to decrease nematode make it? back to Innisfail for the uni holidays I What was your favourite subject industry and find out about some of the numbers. I loved them both even though I am one of those people who love will definitely get back into it. I really at high school and where are you projects that are being run. they are not that similar. to leave their bananas out until they’re enjoy being able to go to the rodeos studying now? Tell us a bit about your What do you like about horticultural This has brought me to the conclusion almost fermented and are starting to around Gatton on the weekends, they’re course and what you like about your science the most? that I would probably enjoy any project attract fruit flies. They are just so much a lot of fun too! studies so far. I like horticulture science because that I get to be a part of. I haven’t yet sweeter that way! I have always really enjoyed biology. In it’s not boring. There is such a diverse heard a research idea that I wouldn’t high school I topped the biology cohort range of crops and, because of the value want to be a part of. for three years in a row. of these crops, the processes are so What would be your ideal role in I am one of the few people in my specialised. horticultural science? course who comes from a scientific It is certainly one of the most innova- At this point in my life I’m not ready background and am now struggling to tive branches of agriculture and quickly to have a job that spends too much learn the practical component. Most moving forward. Traditionally, it is the time indoors. And I definitely want people are from farms and come here to least recognised in Australia, but I think to be involved in research. I feel like a learn the scientific component. that’s about to change and it’s going to field-technician role suits my desires I really enjoy the pracs especially. My boom soon. I really can’t wait to be a part pretty well, because I still get to be For more information contact: Alf Canino Tully Manager course (Agricultural Science at UQ’s of that. involved in the research and I get to P 07 4068 3783 F 07 4068 3786 Gatton campus) is very broad so it And what do you find to be the thing spend my time outside, being able to often doesn’t cover my specific interests, that might take a bit of getting used to? observe plants and see physical results. M 0429 721 700 E [email protected] but I am still really enjoying learning For me it would definitely be the If everything goes to plan, what type about farming from a broad perspective. practical side of agricultural science. of work do you think you might be Tell us a bit about where you’re from However, I really can’t wait to specialise. I really love agricultural science in doing in ten years’ time? and what got you interested in horti- Tell us about the opportunities that everything that is done needs to be At the moment, I would like to end up cultural science. Was there any event in you’ve had to work in horticultural able to improve farm productivity and at South Johnstone working for DAFF particular that got you interested? science and some of the experiences practices. My biggest fear is not having with a role in banana science. I don’t I grew up in Innisfail and have always you’ve enjoyed the most. a good enough understanding of what is really want to make plans though, but I been around horticulture, especially I think I am pretty lucky and have had already happening on farms to be able to think keeping my options open might bananas, but I really didn’t begin to show some wonderful opportunities. One of develop ideas that are useful. lead into something I would enjoy just Depots: Tully, Cairns, Mareeba, a keen interest in pursuing the field until the best opportunities I’ve had is to work I am lucky to have a few people who as much. I always use my father (DAFF late high school when we were expected with Stewart Lindsay at South Johnstone have taken time to try and teach me, but nematologist Dr Tony Pattison) as a Townsville, Mackay, Brisbane & Sydney to start choosing our career paths. DAFF during the summer break after my I definitely still have a lot to learn. role model. He started out studying Delivering to all Southern Destinations. I realised that I really enjoyed work- first year. ing with plants during a high school

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28 next-gen grower PROFILE 29 Fresh-food passion brings young chef home A passion for cooking took Rob Johnson from the family How long has your family been in banana farm across the country. Now the young chef is back the business of farming bananas and and enjoying growing bananas. Rob answers our next-gen tell us how they became involved? The Johnson family began growing grower questionnaire. bananas in Clothiers Creek in the 1940s when my great grandfather started growing them. Back then, growing bananas was more financially feasible as the subtropics had the market share. I and my uncle, Tim Johnson, farm Cavendish, Ladyfinger, Goldfinger, and a new variety owned by Tim called Little Gem. Did you come straight from school to begin work on the farm or have you also done some other type of work? I grew up on the farm but wasn’t overly involved in the fruit farming. I began my cheffing apprenticeship during school and ventured into full-time commercial kitchen work straight after the HSC. Cheffing took me to Western Australia What do you see for your future in the work that goes into producing the The Johnsons in August hosted a farm visit where I lived for three years. the banana industry? best quality fruit possible. for global banana scientists who were in Australia for the International Horticultural I gathered a deep understanding of Personally, I would like to see more Banana farming isn’t just a job for me, Congress. the importance of using fresh, quality, appreciation for the effort that farmers it’s a real passion and I’d like to be able to authentic produce in the kitchen, and go to for the consumer to be able to keep farming for as long as possible. this drew me back to the farm in my purchase bananas from their local super- What do you see for the overall David Peasley manages for the industry’s early 20s. market. There’s a lot of uncertainties future of the industry? Banana Plant Protection Program. The Rob with some Little Gem bananas in the packing shed at Clothiers Creek. What do you like about banana in banana farming. I think if there was Standardised packaging and a mini- variety that my uncle, Tim Johnson, farming? more of an appreciation for the effort mum price per carton guarantee. This has discovered – Little Gem – has been Dig, cut, dip, dig, plant, water, that goes in to producing the bananas would encourage growers to take more trialled there. Little Gem is being grown fertilise, water, spray, de-sucker, strip, consumers buy it would help farmers effort in producing better quality fruit. under licence by some local growers and bunch-cover, cut, hump, drive, de-hand, to get a better return and help ensure What would you like to see happen- I’d love to see more of these trial varieties water, pack and send. The whole process banana farming has a future. I think ing in the banana industry? getting out to subtropical growers so they fascinates me. I love talking with other letting consumers know about all the I would love to see more of the dis- can find some niche markets for fruit farmers about new and old farming work banana farmers do to improve their ease-resistant varieties available to grow- that grows well in local conditions. practices. I enjoy the fitness that I get practices and try new things is one way ers, such as the Panama Race 1-resistant Are you looking to introduce new from farming bananas. of helping to develop an appreciation for varieties from the Duranbah trial blocks or different methods to your farm What don’t you like about banana practices? farming? We tried a closer row spacing to Unreliability of workers. Unreliability achieve a more enclosed leaf canopy of income due to price fluctuation. cover, which ultimately reduces the Always not knowing. amount of chemicals used for weed What are your other interests apart spraying. I also feel that frequent strip- from farming bananas? ping enables more sunlight to penetrate I thoroughly enjoy cooking, growing each stool, which deters some insects and and supplying fresh local produce around diseases. the Valleys, from the Tweed to Nimbin. Where do you see yourself in 10 I love selling my produce to customers years’ time? at the local farmers markets. It’s great That is 100% unpredictable. Hopefully to receive personal appreciation for my what I’m doing now will be economically passion. sustainable for my family and me.

Little Gem bananas on the wheel at the A section of the Johnson family farm. Johnsons’ packing shed.

Australian Bananas magazine | Summer 2014-2015 Summer 2014-2015 | Australian Bananas magazine 30 profile MATT WEINERT 31 Matt on a mission to help growers

The NSW Department of Primary Industries’ newest industry “For growers who are willing to change development recruit has been working towards a move to - to renew plantations, trial new varieties the Northern Rivers area since the 1980s. Finally, after two and plant new ground - the opportuni- ties for the future are tremendous,” Matt decades in various agricultural roles in Australia and overseas said. - he’s arrived. “For those who don’t want to change - well, as with anything, if you keep doing By Stephanie Dale. what you’ve always done then logic says you’ll keep getting the same results.” And it’s not just the attractions of growers’ views on the state of the NSW Matt’s IDO position is funded for living in the area that have been banana industry. three years. He said it was his hope calling him. As the new Banana “I’ve heard two stories as I’ve travelled that in that time, all NSW subtropical Industry Development Officer (IDO), around the region,” Matt said. growers would fall into the category of Matt is on a mission: to reinvigorate “Some growers say ‘the industry is ‘can’t keep up with demand’. the subtropical banana industry in doomed’ others say they can’t keep up “From an agricultural perspective, NSW. with demand. being unable to keep up with demand is Matt’s new position is jointly funded “It’s a curious situation to have view- a brilliant situation to be in!” he said. by DPI, national banana industry levy points at such extremes.” Other targets are better farm practices funds and NSW grower association For Matt it’s an exciting time for the and fruit quality resulting in improved Matt with competitors at Macksville’s Banana Hurl in November (see full story, Page 37). funds. He is one of eight IDOs working NSW subtropical industry, which has sustainability for farming businesses. within the DPI across a broad variety of suffered severe decline in recent years due “One aspect of my role is to help better nutrition, soil health, trialing work closely with growers to reinvigorate horticultural industries. to pests, disease, competing land use and growers increase production of fruit that new varieties and better pest and disease the industry - to connect like-minded Over the next 12 months, Matt competition from North Queensland meets market specifications,” he said. control.” growers with each other, as well as people Matt Weinert’s plans to attend the meetings of Banana banana production. “I’ll be working with growers to Matt grew up on a broad acre dryland throughout the supply chain, to ensure Growers’ Association branches between North Queensland currently produces achieve better production through grain farm on the Darling Downs, we use all the resources we have available banana IDO role Macksville and Murwillumbah, in order more than 90 per cent of Australia’s improved farming practices, including west of Brisbane. He spent 15 years in to us to solve the problems facing the to better understand the needs of the bananas with other growing regions, research and development in Brisbane NSW industry.” includes: local industry. including New South Wales, southern Tweed Brunswick and District Banana with Queensland’s Department of A primary concern for many NSW He started the role in October and the Queensland and Western Australia, Growing Association president David Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry subtropical growers has been the exodus ●● attending BGA meetings Perry (left) with Matt Weinert. biggest surprise for Matt in his first few growing the rest. (DAFF, then known as the Department of young growers. Matt would like to see weeks in the job has been the disparity in of Primary Industries), CSIRO and an increasing number of young players in ●● helping growers increase the University of Queensland. He then the industry. production headed to the Top End, where for three “Some of the younger growers are from years he was based in Darwin working banana-growing families - others are ●● assisting with the develop- as a plant pathologist for the Northern newcomers,” he said. ment of new markets Australia Quarantine Strategy. “It’s my role to encourage the new ● He then moved to North Queensland, growers, connect them with the existing ● supporting growers to doing the same work from Mareeba wisdom in the industry, oversee what manage pests, disease and before returning to Queensland DAFF, can be achieved with the best use of the industry challenges focussing on industry development in the resources and support available - and, ● avocado and mango industries. ultimately, help growers accomplish their ● organising field days “Then I was fortunate enough to get own vision for their industry.” ●● developing networking this job,” he said. Matt’s IDO project has the support opportunities for growers “I’ve long had a passion for bananas of a Project Reference Group which and it’s exciting to be finally working in includes banana industry representatives and others in the industry the industry.” and grower representatives from the ●● reinvigorating the NSW On top of a challenging mission, Matt NSW growing regions. has a substantial vision for the industry. “We’ve got a great project reference industry. “There are massive challenges facing group for the project and I’m looking the subtropical industry, all of which forward to working with them,” Matt can be overcome by improving farming said. practices and developing strong niche “It’s a really exciting time for banana markets,” he said. growers in New South Wales.” “My strengths are building networks and troubleshooting. It’s my intention to

Australian Bananas magazine | Summer 2014-2015 Summer 2014-2015 | Australian Bananas magazine 32 professional development PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 33 Taking a trip to banana central Australian growers visited some global banana-export Tully grower Gavin MacKay observed frontrunners in Central America to bring back the latest that in Ecuador they removed four hands information on fruit quality and chemical use. ABGC CEO Jim in summer and five in winter to produce about five hands of Extra Large. Pekin reports. It’s not often Australian banana on bunch protection and the use of Not a hospital growers have the chance to see how chemicals. Study tour participants saw first-hand farming and packing happens in what Nuffield Banana Scholar Paul some of the world’s biggest banana Fruit Quality Inderbitzin meant in the video he made export markets. In his assessment of fruity quality, of his international studies. In that video, But ten banana growers and a nurs- Tully grower Stephen Lowe said it was shown at the recent banana roadshows, eryman were among those who travelled widely evident at all farms that great care Paul noted the importance of protecting to Central America to learn first-hand is taken to ensure the bunch reaches the the bunch saying “the packing shed is how growers in Ecuador, Costa Rica and packing facility in pristine condition. not a hospital”. Martinique run their operations. “In Ecuador and Costa Rica, the sys- Practices that protect the bunch are The study tour provided participants, tem used in the field was a cableway to taken very seriously with workers in as well as all growers wanting to share in transport bunches to the shed,” Stephen many cases held directly responsible. the information, a rare opportunity to said. Tully grower Paul Johnston noted that look at some international production “Martinique farmers use sophisticated in some packing sheds the wages of field trends. tractor-drawn trailers which allowed workers were docked if damage was The Ecuadorian and Costa Rican bunches to hang freely without touching caused to fruit on the bunches as they industries are respectively the largest and each other on way to the shed. were brought into the shed. Gavin MacKay noted that demands All farmers and agronomists indicated Study tour participants were: third largest exporters of bananas in the “The use of pads and jigs to avoid Adrian Crema, also from Tully, was from European supermarkets were that root and soil health were the key to ƒƒCraig Buchanan, Innisfail grower world. Martinique, on the other side pressure injuries to the bunches when particularly impressed with the quality of determining chemical use on farms in all being able to farm successfully without ƒƒAdrian Crema, Tully grower of the Caribbean from Costa Rica, is a they are being humped is something that fruit in both Ecuador and Costa Rica. three countries. traditional chemicals. ƒƒDino Costa, Tully grower French West Indies island selling bananas could also have benefits to the harvesting “There was a lot of emphasis on the Mullumbimby grower Peter Molenaar Black Sigatoka was an issue in all three ƒƒAndrew Coulson, Mareeba grower mainly to France and was visited because process used in Australia. bunch-bagging operation,” Adrian said. said: “Europe was strong on environ- countries. Paul Johnston noted that in ƒƒPaul Drury, Tully grower it is a banana producer in a developed “The evidence was clear that packing “Their farms had plastic slips between mental and social standards, hence less Ecuador the climate seemed to dictate ƒƒMarc Jackson, tour leader nation. facility operations are much improved the hands that kept the fruit from being likelihood of food quality issues. If an only 24 sprays-a-year to manage the ƒƒChris Jamieson, Lakeland grower In this report, growers share some of when fruit is arriving at the shed clear bruised. Quality was excellent.” outbreak did occur then there is only disease. ƒƒPaul Johnston, Tully grower the highlights of the tour, including their of damage. The additional care in the Tully grower Dino Costa was government-to-government communi- The group visited a higher-rainfall ƒƒStephen Lavis, Mission Beach main messages of placing more emphasis plantation may pay off for some via impressed with the overall industry cation to resolve the issue. The farmer is farm in Costa Rica that had sprayed nurseryman better quality and less waste in the standards. left out of the resolution.” for black Sigatoka 74 times-per-year, ƒƒStephen Lowe, Tully grower Below: Study tour participants during a packing shed.” “I think one thing that really stood out mainly preventatives and not systemic ƒƒGavin MacKay, Tully grower plantation visit. for me across all three countries we vis- Borer traps fungicides. ƒƒPeter Molenaar, Mullumbimby grower ited was that they had a strong industry The group noted non-chemical The group was advised that ƒƒJim Pekin, ABGC CEO standard that all growers followed,” he management of banana weevil borer in Martinique first detected black Sigatoka said. “Each grower was not trying to gain Martinique. in September 2010 and it is now Above: Pisang bananas being packed on a an advantage over the other by doing Mareeba grower Andrew Coulson endemic. However, in March this year small farm in Costa Rica. something different, but instead they had said the use of pheromone lures would the French Government banned all aerial Below: Bunch protection was a priority with collectively decided the best way to grow help reduce insecticides used, but the applications. slips placed between hands. and package their product. I think that issue might be labour cost as it is labour Nurseryman Steve Lavis noted that gives them a strong, known product to intensive to insert traps and to count and this restriction had led to labour saving, deliver to the world market.” kill borers. innovative mechanisation. “On a medium farm infestation, eight “We saw quad bikes adapted to mist Chemical Use traps per hectare were required,” he said. the plantation with fungicide. The same Innisfail grower Craig Buchanan noted Craig Buchanan said he would like to farmer had added a herbicide set-up that the very low chemical use and Stephen see these traps sourced for the Australian sprays six metres.” Lowe summed up the reason. industry, and this has subsequently been A final study-tour report has been “All farms exported to Europe and had arranged via a trial shipment. submitted to Horticulture Innovation stringent conditions placed on them with Stephen Lowe said the only chemical Australia for publication and will then regards to what chemicals they can use,” treatments were for black and yellow be available on the ABGC website. The Stephen said. “No farm we visited used Sigatoka, post-harvest crown fungus report details many other important any insecticides on their soil. Nematicide control and impregnated bunch covers messages for Australian banana growers. use was either low or non-existent.” or strips.

Australian Bananas magazine | Summer 2014-2015 Summer 2014-2015 | Australian Bananas magazine 34 international INTERNATIONAL 35

Toxic past challenges French West Indies check almost as well as yellow Sigatoka which has for some time had tolerance Global look at bananas French West Indies banana plantations have cut pesticide use incursions into other plantations. Weevils to triazoles. Thus yellow and black are Some of Australia’s top banana scientists helped lead a but are battling revelations of toxic residues stemming from can remain for two to three months or currently cohabiting. Black has not global symposium on banana and plantain science at the decades past. Jeff Daniells and Christian Chabrier report on more in the old decaying corms follow- yet replaced yellow even though tem- ing glyphosate injection. In the French peratures in all regions are favourable. International Horticultural Congress (IHC) in August. Martinique and Guadeloupe banana production. West Indies Cosmolure is authorized However, eventually black could be Thousands of horticulture industry In the French West Indies, pressure pollution in the French West Indies and for ‘monitoring’ but not® for ‘control’. expected to develop tolerance and the representatives attended the six-day has been brought to bear from its impact on human health, ecosystems How different things might have current balance should shift rapidly. Congress held in Brisbane. several quarters on the use of and people’s livelihoods. been in Martinique and Guadeloupe if But all this coupled with the imminent Banana science topics discussed pesticides in recent years, leading As the contamination has spread, someone had come up with pheromone loss of aerial application does not augur included banana genetics and breeding, to major changes to the Martinique fishing had to be stopped and freshwater trapping of banana weevil borer 40 years well for good control of leaf disease. development of disease-resistant varieties, and Guadeloupe banana industries. prawn farms closed. The same soon ago! When their industry has only ground rigs management of Panama disease and farm Included is the elimination of insec- applied to the crabs caught in the man- available we expect spray applications to practices. ticides, phasing out of nematicides, grove swamps and it remains to be seen Aerial spray ban greatly increase in frequency. Australian banana scientists chaired reductions in herbicide use and, more which deepwater species will be allowed Strong environmental group pres- This will be due to less timely and sessions, presented symposium sessions recently, legislation against aerial applica- to be caught in the future. sures have now contributed to the ban synchronized fungicide application and and workshops. They also presented tion of fungicides. The main banana soil, the andosol, on aerial application of fungicides in poorer targeting of chemical on the five-minute summaries of their research The industries have been making a has a very high capacity to adsorb the Martinique and Guadeloupe. On one young emerging leaves requiring protec- findings at poster sessions held in the major effort to turn these challenges into chemical and is not broken down. It is of the farms visited they had already tion. With the resulting poorer disease Congress exhibition area. Australian an opportunity to position their product estimated that chlordecone will slowly grounded their helicopter spray fleet control sensitivity to systemic fungicides scientists included James Dale, André as the global benchmark in sustain- ‘leak’ from these andosol soils causing and are now applying fungicides by could also be expected to develop more Drenth, David Turner, Jeff Daniells, ability. Overall use of insecticides and ongoing environmental contamination tractor-drawn misters even though at quickly. Mike Smith, Juliane Henderson, Kathy nematicides has declined from 9.8 to 1.1 for more than 500 years (Environmental the time of his visit growers had a special There will be a need for more and Parmenter, Stewart Lindsay, Naomi kilogram per hectare from 1996 to 2009. Pollution 157:1697-1705) unless a soil dispensation to continue aerial applica- more applications per year and thus King, Suren Samuelian and Elizabeth This is mainly a result of adoption of remediation strategy is discovered! tion for six months. reduced profitability and viability. There Czislowski, fallowing or crop rotations (sugarcane in The chlordecone story is a sobering is a great need for genetic resistance. International banana scientists also particular) combined with tissue cultured reminder of the consequences of poor Black Sigatoka The banana industry is closely involved toured Brisbane research labs and visited planting material and mass trapping of decision making leading to serious Black Sigatoka was first detected on in CIRAD’s breeding effort which may a banana industry trial block and banana Plant pathology Professor K. Anita Cherian banana weevil borer. impacts for generations to come. Plantains in Martinique in 2010 and in be the lifeline they need in the not too farm in northern New South Wales. from India’s Kerala Agricultural University and Burundi Institute of Agronomic Fortunately chlordecone has never been Guadeloupe in 2012. Plantains (AAB, distant future. The event is held every four years with Science plant pathologist Dr Celéstin 20-year toxic trail used in Australia. Plantain subgroup) are a common This report follows an earlier report the next Congress to be held in Istanbul, Niyongere during a rainy visit to the However, the industries are in damage cooking banana in the Caribbean and in the Sprint 2014 edition of Australian Turkey. Duranbah trial block. control because of major media attention Pheromone borer traps Central & South America. They are Bananas from Jeff Daniells, of Queensland over the revelation of the seriousness of a Potential pesticide residues in harvested relatively resistant to yellow Sigatoka but DAFF, and Christian Chabrier of the environmental contamination and health product brought pressure from the EU quite susceptible to black Sigatoka and French Research Centre, CIRAD. Below: Banana farms in the French West Indies have cut chemical use. disaster brought about by indiscriminate to remove insecticides and nematicides so acted as a sentinel to the arrival of the use of the toxic pesticide chlordecone from the production system. This led pathogen. more than 20 years ago in the French to the eventual adoption of pheromone The arrival of black Sigatoka has led to West Indies banana plantations. trapping of banana weevil borer with an increase in the number of fungicide Chlordecone (Kepone before 1976, products such as Cosmolure . applications required from about eight Curlone after 1978) is ®an organochlo- When the product was first® released each year, up to between 10 and 12, and rine pesticide® that was used for banana it had poor efficacy. A better capture is steadily increasing. This number of weevil borer control from 1972 to 1993. system and a better attractant were applications is nevertheless low by most It is an endocrine disruptor (that is, it subsequently developed. There were also standards because of the biological fore- interferes with the hormone system) and issues related to insect behaviour that had casting approach to scheduling fungicide was listed as carcinogenic in 1979. to be taken into consideration to better applications which continues to be used. Pollution surveys conducted in 2001 target the pest. The system was developed in the 1980s by the French Department of Health A recipe approach would not work. by CIRAD and is based on the use of revealed the presence of chlordecone in The insect’s gregarious behaviour neces- mineral oil, which has fungistatic effect, soils, rivers and springs over large areas in sitates more management to carefully and a mixture of systemic fungicides (of Guadeloupe and Martinique. monitor the pest distributions and five different chemical families). To be Contamination of drinking water, food move traps around accordingly. Traps effective the treatment must be applied crops (particularly root crops such as need to be inspected weekly/fortnightly to an entire production area. yams) and aquatic species by chlordecone to remove weevils and to ensure the Fortunately the black Sigatoka which has been observed as well as its wide- reservoir remains filled with water plus arrived is a ‘wild’ strain, so it is relatively spread presence in human blood. There detergent so that it remains effective. sensitive to two registered triazoles is therefore a large social concern about There is a need to trap hard when taking Tilt (a.i. propiconazole) and Sico the extent and evolution of chlordecone old plantations out to prevent major (a.i.® difenoconazole) and so is kept® in Australian Bananas magazine | Summer 2014-2015 Summer 2014-2015 | Australian Bananas magazine 36 murwillumbah show EVENTS 37 Younger growers stand out at Murwillumbah Bananas an energy gift at Macksville Younger growers displayed the stand-out fruit, taking the majority of prizes at this year’s Murwillumbah Show in Northern NSW.

Eungella growers Andy and Sue Will Everest’s other wins were for Lady perhaps too tempting for some growers Everest were the most successful Finger exhibits taking the prizes for best who chose to get the fruit packed rather exhibitors with wins in five cate- commercial bunch and heaviest bunch than exhibiting. gories, and Andy’s brother, Will, (44.5 kg). “It was disappointing that more local grew the banana exhibit’s champion Andy and Sue’s wins were for best hand growers chose not to exhibit this year, bunch and took out two other of Lady Fingers, best commercial cartons preferring to chase prices,” Greg said. awards. for both Cavendish and Lady Fingers, “These annual shows are a key oppor- Growers Matt and Jenny Hesse also and champion carton. tunity to showcase the local banana had major show success with their Exhibition co-judge, wholesaler Greg industry to the Tweed community and Cavendish exhibits, taking out four Bradshaw said the Lady Finger exhibits it would be good to see more growers awards for best commercial bunch, were impressive. “These young growers participating in the future.” heaviest bunch, best hand and champion have a good strain in the variety of Lady The National Banana Bunchy Top hand. Fingers that they grow. They are consci- Project also had a display at the show fea- Another highlight was the success entious, don’t cut corners and they feed turing a treated and inert plant showing of new local variety Little Gem with and work their plants well, resulting in the symptoms of Bunchy Top. a bunch grown by Wayne Shoobridge high quality fruit. Given the current dry The plants have previously only ever winning the best “other variety” award. conditions, the fruit quality was surpris- been exhibited in a perspex case, but ingly good.” were this time treated and displayed so Eungella grower Will Everest with the High prices in the market in the lead visitors could get a better look at what Energy-giving bananas have again Murwillumbah Show’s champion bunch. up to and during the October show were Bunchy Top looks like. been promoted at Australia’s oldest professional foot race carnival, the Macksville Gift. The fourth World Championship Banana Hurl has promoted bananas as a healthy energy snack each year since joining the Gift program in 2011. The Banana Hurl attracted dozens of competitors including runners of all ages who were at the 61st Gift on the mid-north coast of NSW for a day of 70-metre, 120-metre and 300-metre foot races. For those wondering, “how far can you chuck a banana?” The answer is “quite a long way”. The larger bananas are used for the event’s Open sections and the hurl’s main winner was Jack Mitchell who Above: Wayne Shoobridge with the prize made a 51.62-metre throw in the Open winning bunch of the new variety, Little Male category. Open Female champion Gem. Anna Leksinkska hurled a banana 38.39 Below: Andy and Sue Everest’s prize metres. winning Lady Finger hand. They were the Tom Newman competed in the sec- show’s most successful banana exhibitors. ondary school section and was the overall distance champion for the event, hurling one of the smaller bananas used in the schools sections a massive 62.5 metres. The smaller kids also got in on the fun Cancer Support Group. Taylors Arm significantly to the fundraising effort with some enthusiastic throws. Primary grower Stephen Spear said the Banana through his numerous unsuccessful School banana hurl champions were Jade Hurl was a popular part of the gift and attempts to make a throw worthy of a Pond and Tom Sweeney. well supported. finals berth. The Banana Hurl raised $200 from Attending the event was newly Support for the event, including its $1-a-hurl entry fees with the funds appointed NSW Industry Development promotional giveaways, was provided by donated to the local Nambucca District Officer Matt Weinert who contributed Australian Bananas marketing. Australian Bananas magazine | Summer 2014-2015 Summer 2014-2015 | Australian Bananas magazine 38 events HEALTH COLUMN 39 2000 at Innisfail’s banana gallops Diet crazes and how they rate bananas One of the Australian banana It is so easy to get caught up in the latest diet craze, where industry’s major social events, the people will embrace a new eating style with little thought. Australian Banana Industry Race Day, was held under sunny skies Depending on the food you sell or benefit from deleting bread, rice, pasta, in Innisfail after days of heavy rain market, sometimes that diet can fruit, root vegetables, and legumes from cleared on race day eve. work in your favour, sometimes their diet. About 2000 racegoers attended the against you. Most people go ‘low-carb’ to lose August event at Pease Park, including weight. This year there have been two banana growers and industry partners. Paleolithic diet (Paleo) review papers published in the science Event sponsors included the Australian Going Paleo is today’s trendy diet, journals showing that a low-carb diet is Banana Growers’ Council, who spon- supposedly based on the foods that no better than a low-fat diet or healthy sored the raceday lunch, and Australian humans ate 10,000 years ago. To be able eating for weight loss. Banana marketing. to do that today in Australia, you would Therein lies our problem – we just have to eat bush tucker alone. About can’t sell the idea of healthy eating to the the only true paleo food available in the masses. supermarket is the macadamia. Over time, virtually every food has Low sugar changed through selective breeding and Sure, if you eliminate confectionery, cross breeding, especially in the last 200 chocolate, cakes, biscuits, regular soft years. For example, yellow corn has been drink and pastries from your diet you around only 120 years after James Reid may well feel better and lose a bit of Above: At the Australian Banana Industry Race Day, from left, Rosemarie Camuglia, selectively bred it for the yellow muta- excess weight. Rosemary Aquilina and Deborah Camuglia. tion. Even the Paleo banana had large But any primary school kid will tell By Glenn Cardwell seeds and probably tasted very starchy. you that they are ‘sometimes’ foods, not Accredited Practising Dietitian Followers eliminate dairy foods, ‘everyday’ foods. Where the low-sugar Above: Jenny Robson, Heidi Quagliata, legumes and grain foods, all of which promoters cross the border into lunacy is Andrea Drury and Teresa Betts. have essential nutrients for our health. when they claim that fruit is bad for you. to common sense they would realise that Anyway, the good news is that all fruits Some have even said that milk should fresh produce delivers health in many are considered as part of the Paleo diet. be avoided because of the sugar content. different ways. This sugar is called lactose. It is the same We should always look at the company Gluten-free diet sugar found in breast milk. Bet they don’t a sugar keeps, as well as the structure of Another trendy diet. The only folk know that. sugar chains. who need to avoid gluten, a protein The sugars in the banana provide found in some grains, are those with coe- Special sugar sweetness and come with essential nutri- liac disease, about one in 70 people. The You know that ripe bananas taste ents like potassium, folate, vitamin B6 Coeliac Society says that about 300,000 sweet because of the natural sugars, like and vitamin C, along with the benefits Australians have undiagnosed coeliac fructose and glucose. Some of those of FOS. disease and may feel better when they fructose molecules connect to form Food should be judged on its healthi- choose a gluten-free diet, but they stress long chains, resulting in a compound ness, not just a single component such as Above: Danny Apap and Ken Barnes at the Above: Diane and Jeff Spring with Margaret and Gary Grima at the race day. that people should be properly diagnosed called a fructo-oligosaccharide. A bit of a sugar. Innisfail race day. . before they try a gluten-free diet. mouthful so let’s just call it FOS. Below: Lyn and Robert Busato at the Below: Anthony Camuglia, Mick Grima and Tony Camuglia. Avoiding gluten means that all foods The FOS don’t get digested in the Australian Banana Industry Race Day. made on wheat, barley, triticale and rye small intestine, so technically they have disappear, leaving many with fruit as no calories, and end up in the large intes- Reference: their snack choice, and that is good news tine where healthy bacteria reside. These Sabater-Molina M, Larque E, Torrella for the banana grower. bacteria just love FOS so when they are F, Zamora S (2009). Dietary fructo-oli- Those following Paleo and the fed FOS they proliferate and bump-out gosaccharides and potentail benefits gluten-free diets may consider eating the potentially nasty bacteria. on health. Journal of Physiology & bananas as an alternative to highly-pro- These healthy bacteria then convert the Biochemistry 65 (3): 315-328 cessed snack foods. FOS to other compounds that protect you from bowel cancer. Low-carb diet If people would just stop jumping on Yep, this one is still around despite any food trend that passes through their absolutely no evidence that anyone will television screen and took time to listen

Australian Bananas magazine | Summer 2014-2015 Summer 2014-2015 | Australian Bananas magazine 40 Congress 2015 BANANA INDUSTRY CONGRESS 2015 41 Congress registrations opening soon

Banana growers get ready - registrations open in January for Get your tickets our exciting Banana Industry Congress. Steve said many growers were already planning ahead and securing flights as The Congress is being held in a banana making an impact on the well as tickets to the Origin match. Melbourne from June 17 to 20, 2015 MCG’s hallowed turf. The “Bananas in “There have already been some great and will feature a series of firsts. Melbourne” magnet commemorates the airfare specials on offer with more to It will be first time our Congress historic combination of two favourite come over Christmas and into the New exhibition opening kicks off on the same events for banana growers – Congress Year,” Steve said. day as a State Of Origin match with both and rugby league’s showcase event. “Some growers have already gotten in events held in the same city. early and snapped up some great prices Both are in the centre of Melbourne - Melbourne buzz on return airfares to Melbourne and Congress at the Crown Promenade, part Congress Management Committee there should be more great specials on of the Crown complex at Southbank, and Chairman Steve Lizzio said there offer soon. State Of Origin at the iconic Melbourne was already a lot of excitement about “We’ve put the web addresses for Cricket Ground (MCG). Congress with hundreds of banana flight specials on our Congress website Growers are already looking ahead growers and their partners expected to and growers can use the link to sign up and grabbing some early airfare specials attend. for email notifications on airfare sales. for Congress as well as the best available “There’s a real buzz about Congress There’s also links to Ticketek for Origin Origin seats which are already on sale. and a lot of growers are getting excited tickets.” about the 2015 event and all that the State Of Origin tickets won’t be offered Congress firsts Melbourne venue will offer,” Steve said. as part of event registration but growers In other firsts, Congress will showcase “The Crown venue is excellent and are getting friends and family organised its fresh approach to R&D workshops combines our exhibition, conference and to attend the event and buy tickets now. with shorter, sharper sessions and there meeting room facilities all on the one It will be a rare chance for many to see will be site visits showing growers the level,” Steve said. a live Origin game – the second in the latest trends in supply chain and retail. “We will also be making sure there is series in a year when Queensland will be The event coincides with the sched- great business and social program with desperate to take back the title from New uled opening of the new Melbourne plenty for growers’ partners and families South Wales. Wholesale Fruit, Vegetable and Flower to do in and around Melbourne. Market with opportunities for growers to “The Banana Industry Ball and Awards Program highlights see the latest in produce management. Of Honour will be a very special event The Program will officially be Of course the Congress favourites will and held in one of Australia’s most announced early in 2015. Highlights will still be there: our exhibition space where prestigious venues, the Crown Palladium, include: growers and industry partners meet, the which also hosts events such as the Logies ƒƒGreat value registration price including Banana Bar, and the Banana Industry and Brownlow Medal awards.” business and social program events Ball and Awards of Honour. ƒƒRetail tour showing the latest trends in The traditional Congress fridge magnet Congress and State Of Origin both kick off produce markets is also out now – this time featuring in Melbourne on June 17, 2015. ƒƒOpportunity to see the new Melbourne Market ƒƒSpecial R&D session with a new format ƒƒExhibition, conference and meeting room spaces co-located on the same level ƒƒPartners’ program Proudly Growing, Packing & Marketing ƒƒBanana Bar in the Crown Promenade’s Tonic Bar Australian Bananas ƒƒBanana Industry Ball and Awards of Honour. For further information contact: More event announcements will be Ben Franklin 0417 610 571 Michael Engeman 0417 603 692 made early in 2015. For more informa- tion, see the event website www.banana- Gary Fattore 0417 644 033 congress.org.au www.costagroup.com.au bloom

Australian Bananas magazine | Summer 2014-2015 Summer 2014-2015 | Australian Bananas magazine 42 abgc news ABGC NEWS 43 All on Board after Tully meeting Industry issues bring Tom back Two new directors have been elected to the Board of banana The Board positions were unopposed Carnarvon’s Tom Day has rejoined the ABGC Board, industry peak body, the Australian Banana Growers’ Council and both new directors were appointed strengthening the Council’s national representation. (ABGC), taking it to a full complement of eight directors. at the ABGC’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Tully on November 26. You’ve had a lengthy involvement we have been very successful in market- Carnarvon grower Tom Day and Michael Nixon retired from the Board ABGC Chairman Doug Phillips was with horticulture in the Carnarvon ing this aspect of our product. Other Tully’s Stephen Lowe have joined, in 2013. Tom has previously served as an also re-elected and later reappointed as region, tell us about your background. advantages are there are very little disease giving the ABGC representatives ABGC director. Chairman at the ABGC Board meeting I’ve lived in Carnarvon all my life, issues in the area, plus the ground is flat from across the national growing Stephen Lowe has joined the Board held after the AGM. Adrian Crema con- having been involved in industries and easy to manage. The biggest threat regions. following the departure of South tinues as deputy chairman, Paul Johnston including transport and earth moving, to the industry is the lack of water, at the Tom took up the position vacated Johnstone grower Marc Darveniza who is treasurer and other directors are Steve hospitality and horticulture. I was in moment with no river flow for almost when previous Western Australia/ completed six years’ service. Lizzio, from Silkwood; Mullumbimby’s local government for 15 years (six years four years. Northern Territory representative Peter Molenaar and Taylors Arm grower as shire president); a State Government Are there some things the industry Stephen Spear. Development Commission Board in Carnarvon is doing that could be The Board’s first post-AGM meeting Member; founding member of Sweeter useful for other regions to look at? discussed topics including the Banana Banana Co-Op and chairperson for The Sweeter experience has totally Freckle eradication in the NT and three years; member of Gascoyne Water changed the outlook for the Industry, the proposed new 0.75 cents-a-kg Co-Op and Gascoyne Assets Mutual even though it has been frustrating that production levy; proposed Queensland Co-Op and current chairperson. I’ve all growers have not seen the advantages biosecurity changes and progress with been a member and active in many local of working as a group. However, Sweeter the creation of the new levy-management sporting and community groups over the have now positioned themselves in the Tom Day body Horticulture Innovation Australia. years. market to achieve excellent returns for Tell us about your involvement with their members. Our problem now is What changes would you like to The ABGC Board, from left: Tom Day, Peter Molenaar, Paul Johnston, Doug Phillips, ABGC and why you’ve rejoined the meeting the demand. Sweeter have done see happening in both the local and Adrian Crema, Stephen Lowe, Steve Lizzio Board. a lot of marketing to the public, hence national banana industry over the next and Stephen Spear. I first joined the ABGC Board when creating demand in the shop. The mes- few years? changes were made to achieve the present sage which has come out of this is that if I don’t know at this stage if there’s a structure of ABGC so the Council you can create demand for your product need for a lot of change. We need to is able to be seen as representing all it will achieve results. The Compensation continue to represent the industry in all Stephen shares industry passion banana growers and to demonstrate the Fund has been the saviour of the indus- forms, we need to ensure imports are Carnarvon banana industry support for try many times during adverse weather rejected and keep diseases under control New ABGC director Stephen Lowe farms in Tully and tells us 160 hectares of bananas and around 130 ABGC. I have rejoined as I believe we conditions, it is a successful scheme where possible. about his background. hectares of sugar cane. as an industry need to be represented on which could have good results for other Tell us about some of the major chal- the national stage to protect our industry areas but a lot of thought would need The Lowe family is one of the Tully leased from the Henry family. Through lenges for growers in the Tully region. and also keep across issues that affect the to go into how to set it up in today’s family’s first banana-farming families, my schooling years I would work on Farming bananas has many challenges. industry today. world as this was started when govern- farming for more than 50 years. Tell us the farm during school holidays. After Major issues for the growers in the Tully What are you farming at the ment still thought they should make a Banana farming in the dry conditions at a bit more about your background. finishing high school at Tully State High region include cost of transport, market moment? commitment. Carnarvon. From a young age I have been exposed I completed my Bachelor of Engineering access, labour market reliability and the We have been growing bananas as a to the banana industry and I can with honours at James Cook University, mounting pressure of compliance to main source of income for over 25 years. remember back to the late sixties when Townsville. In 1989 I began working government and retailer regulations and We usually have around 4 ha in ground my father Barry grew bananas on land he with the Department of Defence in specifications. at any one time; we have just been Canberra as a secure communications Tell us why you nominated to through a total replanting program. We engineer. I remained in Canberra for become an ABGC director and what also have a small number of mango trees six years and in this time completed my you’d like to achieve. and have grown pumpkin on-and-off at Masters of Engineering Science at the I have known several members of the times. Australian Defence Force Academy. In Board for a period of time and I am What’s it like growing bananas in 1995 my wife and I returned to Mission impressed with their knowledge and pas- Carnarvon and what are some of the Beach and I have been farming bananas sion for the industry. It was the strength major issues there? on the Tully River since this time. of this existing team which beckoned to Bananas have been grown in How many hectares of bananas do me and I hope to be able to share my Carnarvon since the 1930s. Growing you grow and what other crops do you knowledge of the industry in a con- bananas in Carnarvon is quite intensive have? structive manner. As a director I would with spacing much closer than elsewhere, At this point in time the family like to see an increase in the number of hence the production per ha is quite farming business grows approximately ABGC members. I would also like to good. The environment is subtropical, see a greater awareness by members as to hence the size is much smaller than Stephen Lowe where, and for what purpose, their levies tropical environments. In recent times and fees are being used. Australian Bananas magazine | Summer 2014-2015 Summer 2014-2015 | Australian Bananas magazine BCH0340 Basta Technical 1800 Enquiries 479. 804 [email protected] 3123. Victoria East, Hawthorn Road, Tooronga 393 391– 022, 226 87 000 ABN Ltd, Pty CropScience Bayer www.bayercropscience.com.au ® is a registered trademark of Bayer. of trademark aregistered is since 1990 Protecting your fruit * Whenused asdirected. b a s t a