Transition to industry leadership update

Transition Plan

The Australian Banana Growers' Council (ABGC) and Panama TR4 Program are continuing to work collaboratively through the Industry Transition Leader and working groups established by the Panama TR4 Program Management Board, to inform the Transition Plan for future management of the disease.  

Code of Practice

The Panama TR4 Program Management Board and the ABGC Board have both endorsed the development of an Industry Code of Practice (CoP) as the framework to manage Panama TR4 into the future.  The CoP will provide clear guidance on best practice measures for banana growers to meet their general biosecurity obligation (GBO), and to protect their property from Panama TR4.  It will also offer specific provisions which growers on infested properties must comply with in managing the disease.

Growers will be consulted on the development of the CoP, and the draft will be presented and available for comment and feedback prior to implementation.

Discussion Paper

A Discussion Paper to engage with growers about transitioning the leadership of Panama TR4 to industry is nearing completion. This short paper aims to inform growers as well as provide an opportunity for feedback on what growers believe are important considerations in the future management of the disease. Planning is underway for a series of small grower group discussions across the Far North banana growing region to talk about future Panama TR4 management, and the Discussion Paper. It is important to talk with, and listen to, banana growers about their views on transitioning the management of the disease from government to industry.

If you’d like to arrange a local meeting or are part of a group that would like to meet about the Discussion Paper, please contact the Industry Transition Leader, Geoff Wilson on 0418 644 068 or emailgeoff@abgc.org.au.