Farm Biosecurity Producer of the Year
Shayne and Blaise Cini – Karden (Qld) Pty Ltd
A Commitment to Biosecurity and Farm Succession at Edari Bananas
For Shayne and Blaise Cini, owners of Karden (Qld) Pty Ltd, trading as Edari Bananas, farm biosecurity is not just a practice-it’s a long-term insurance policy for both their operation and future generations.
Their 220-acre banana farm, located along the South Johnstone River south of Innisfail in Wangan, is a cornerstone of their family’s farming legacy.
As fourth-generation farmers and second-generation banana growers, Shayne and Blaise are acutely focused on ensuring the farm’s future.
With a deep commitment to farm succession, they’ve also made safeguarding their land from pests and diseases, particularly Panama Disease Tropical Race 4 (Panama TR4), a priority.
Since Panama TR4’s detection in Queensland in 2015, they have taken proactive measures to shield their property from this devastating disease.
One of their first responses was to implement immediate biosecurity measures across the property, including installing signage, footbaths, and designated entry points.
Over a three-year period, with the added complexity of their farm crossing two major roads, they developed and executed an effective strategy to mitigate the risk of Panama TR4. Their comprehensive plan included:
Constructing two internal creek crossings to reduce road traffic and the risk of contamination
Building three wash-down facilities at strategic crossing points within the property
Upgrading roads and installing new drainage systems to prevent flooding from neighbouring properties
Installing fencing around the entire property to better control access
Setting up three boot spray stations at key entry points
While Panama TR4 remains largely confined to the Tully Valley, Shayne, Blaise, and their team’s proactive measures serve as an example of the forward-thinking biosecurity practices that go above and beyond what’s required.
Their commitment to on-farm biosecurity remains the best defence not only against Panama TR4 but also against other pests and diseases that could threaten their farm.
Looking ahead, Blaise has also developed a series of biosecurity training videos, providing staff inductions and ongoing resources for their team.
These videos were created in collaboration with Biosecurity Queensland and the Australian Banana Growers’ Council, aimed at educating other banana growers, potential farm workers and visitors to the region.
In addition to these educational resources, Edari Bananas implemented a visitor register, both internal and external signage and a feral pig management program to help reduce environmental damage.
Through these actions, Edari Bananas not only strengthens its own farm biosecurity measures but also contributes to educating the broader grower community.
Their ongoing dedication to biosecurity, farm succession and environmental stewardship exemplifies a forward-looking approach to sustainable banana farming.
Shayne and Blaise Cini were nominated for their efforts by Amy Spear, Communications Manager at the Australian Banana Growers’ Council.