Banana

INDUSTRY ANNUAL REPORT 2009/10

New banana program leaps ahead

Following the introduction of the national banana levy in July 2008, the new R&D and marketing programs are now in full swing with a suite of projects currently underway addressing the new strategic plan. 2009/10 has been a particularly busy year for the Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) and the three subcommittees (Plant Health subcommittee, Promotions subcommittee and R&D subcommittee) in planning the new program in consultation with Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL), Australian Banana Growers Council (ABGC) and various service providers. The program has been carefully managed during the establishment phase to ensure the best possible outcomes from the investment over the longer term, addressing the three objectives of the strategic plan: 1. Increase consumer demand by 15 per cent by 2014 through marketing and promotion of Australian bananas 2. Increase production efficiency equating to a five per cent increase in profit per kilogram with minimal to no environmental impact 3. Ensure a positive return on investment of industry levies by enhancing the industrys leadership, capacity and influence. A number of projects are underway to deal with immediate issues and provide key information for use by industry members. Consumer, wholesale and retail market information is being regularly collected and analysed to monitor the performance of the banana category and provide information for market development programs. Opportunities for selling single bananas through alternative distribution channels such as convenience stores and cafes have been explored. A one year study is underway to demonstrate, at retail stores, the impact of providing consumers with what they want a range of fruit sizes and ripeness. Other projects have been initiated that will begin to deliver significant benefits in the longer term. The National Banana Bunchy Top Virus Management Program, which was initiated in 2008, is making good progress in reducing the disease in commercial plantations. Ongoing research also continues to ensure optimum disease diagnostic tools are available for protection against potential incursions. Many projects undertaken in 2009/10 are scoping projects that will provide high quality analysis and recommendations for continued on page 2 Climate change research is not new, but the urgency of information for growers to understand and be able to respond to the threats of climate change is. Since 2007 HALs climate RD&E investment, through industry levies, voluntary contributions and matched Australian Government funds, has increased by 30 per cent. Achievements include: empowerment of industry leaders, through forums and presentations; partnerships, through cross-collaborative programs; and adoption, through grower workshops and fact sheets. Further climate RD&E is planned in 2010, including generation of information on the critical temperature thresholds of a number of horticulture crops, identification of best management practices on-farm for reducing emissions and linkages with the Climate Change Research Strategy for Primary Industries (CCRSPI). Information on Climate RD&E and links to various tools for industry are available at www.horticulture.com.au/climate.

These projects have been funded by HAL using the banana levy and/ or voluntary contributions from industry with matched funding from the Australian Government for all R&D activity.

... continued from page 1 future investments in priority areas, for example: a national plant protection program, to be implemented in 2010/11, to address priority plant protection needs a national communication plan and program implemented in July 2010 an environmental audit and a draft strategy to enhance the environmental integrity of the industry a benchmarking program to identify areas for business improvement a project to identify potential new varieties that may help grow the banana category through diversification. The new marketing program commenced in July 2009 and has already made significant progress towards making bananas Australias number one snack of choice by 2015. The program aims to position bananas as a credible alternative to processed energy snacks for an important new target audience 18 to 39 year-olds with no kids who are consuming fewer bananas than other demographic groups. Results indicate that the first phase of the program, which included the release of a new television commercial and sponsorship of So You Think You Can Dance, has been successful in shifting consumer attitudes towards bananas as a snack of choice. Banana production during 2009/10 continued to be high, reflected by total levy income which reached $5,261,588. Total program expenditure for 2009/10 was $4,709,305 with $3,153,606 invested in promotion activities and $1,55,699 in research and development projects. This annual report provides a summary of the main project activities undertaken during 2009/10. More detail can be obtained through the contacts listed at the end of each summary.
For more information contact: John Tyas, HAL Industry Services Manager T 07 3210 1800 E john.tyas@horticulture.com.au

Niche opportunities for subtropical bananas

A study evaluating opportunities for subtropical bananas in Australia has identified prospects in niche markets, although the main drive to develop these markets will need to come from individual businesses. The report prepared for industry suggests that a product and marketing vision based on the key product attributes of subtropical bananas would facilitate development of these markets. Improvements in quality, consistency and volume of supply would be needed, combined with effective marketing and supply chain partnerships. Marketable product attributes include smaller size bananas, sweeter taste and regionally grown. There are already a series of success stories that demonstrate the promotion of these attributes, such as the lunchbox banana premium product in Western Australia. A key growth opportunity in the short to medium-term is premium independent food and produce retailers in capital city markets, particularly Brisbane and Sydney, actively looking for ways to differentiate their product. These retailers are likely to be active supporters of market development if the industry can provide a consistent supply of quality product to their stores and assist with in-store marketing. This niche should be attractive to subtropical producers, with smaller volumes achievable in the short-term. Consumers in these stores are also likely to be more open to new products and may be less price-sensitive than regional and major supermarket shoppers. For the wider industry there is significant benefit as an initiative to grow the category and capture additional value from consumers. The report suggests that market development will require a long-term commitment from all parties. As a next step it suggests the industry consider to what extent it wants to become involved in developing this market segment before proceeding with further investment. Possible strategies include increasing awareness among growers about possible opportunities, making information available about potential market and consumer purchasing behaviour, and actively facilitating grower and supply-chain collaborations.
Project BA08033 For more information contact: Brian Ramsay, Inovact Consulting T 02 6140 3900 E brian@inovact.com.au

Consumer tracking study

HAL commissioned Brand Story to undertake an ongoing online survey of 1,800 consumers annually, conducted over six survey periods throughout the year, covering the key growing seasons. The survey is designed to track areas such as consumer preferences, product selection criteria, the incidence, frequency and volume of purchase, consumer attitudes and reactions to assorted education materials and industry activities. Bananas are top-of-mind for most consumers and are bought by the vast majority. The healthy energy snack positioning of bananas is well-known and understood by consumers. This good understanding of the healthy energy snack benefits of bananas has presented a potent platform to drive consumption amongst the traditional energy snacking audience of 1839 yearolds and to help drive reappraisal of this traditional growing up food amongst mums. Perceptions of bananas as a healthy, filling snack on the go have also increased, due to marketing campaign activities.
Project MT08060 For more information contact: Steve Sheppard, Brand Story T 02 8399 3850 E steve@brandstory.com.au

Expanding varieties may increase sales

Introducing a wider range of banana varieties to the market has the potential to increase sales, if the trends evident for other horticultural crops, such as tomatoes, hold true. Cavendish bananas currently make up 95 per cent of Australian banana production, but the potential of other varieties is being investigated. Preliminary sensory tests have already been undertaken on 15 different varieties, as part of the process of identifying those with sought-after characteristics and the best market prospects. In May 2010 the project team visited markets in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, using surveys and interviews to determine the current supply chain for alternative banana supplies. This included meetings with banana and exotic fruit wholesalers, retailers and transporters. The information gathered from this will be considered, together with a review of available literature about the commercialisation of niche fruit varieties, to develop criteria to select the varieties with the best market prospects. It is expected that a range of varieties will be supplied to major players for evaluation through current commercial supply chains. Part of the criteria used to recommend varieties will include the economics of growing. Economic analysis is currently being undertaken with Cavendish and Ducasse, with information being sought to assist analysis of other varieties. A trained sensory panel and a consumer panel will undertake tests to assess the ripe fruit characteristics of selected varieties, to better indicate their market appeal. A detailed literature review has been undertaken to evaluate consumer preferences for banana varieties. Finally, a roadmap will be put together, setting out the way forward to grow the market for alternative varieties.
Project BA09041 For more information contact: Jeff Daniells, Agri-Science Queensland T 07 4064 1129 E jeff.daniells@deedi.qld.gov.au

Consumer and retail data collection

This project provided the banana industry with an understanding of domestic retail trade volumes and values and consumer purchasing behavior. Retail Scan data from a major domestic retail chain and Homescan data on the produce purchased and taken home by over 10,000 people across Australia was collected. Homescan provides information on the demographics of the purchasers, their buying frequency, purchase values and their retail channel of purchase. The information is best used as a trend analysis displaying market impacts. Through having a much improved understanding of the real actions consumers of bananas are taking across a range of market outlets, the banana industry is able to drive better market supply and marketing decisions. This research can also be used to guide and improve market supply relationships and build improved supply chain transfer to the end market. Reports for both Retail Scan and Homescan data have been provided to the banana industry.
Project MT08015 For more information contact: Wayne Prowse, HAL Export Development Manager T 02 8295 2300 E wayne.prowse@horticulture.com.au

Banana marketing takes off

Twelve months ago, the Australian Bananas promotions team unveiled an ambitious new marketing program to make bananas Australias number one snack of choice by 2015. The Strategic Marketing Plan for Australian Bananas (20092012) took off with a surge of activity from August 2009 with the launch of the new make your body sing campaign and the announcement that Australian Bananas would be sponsoring Network Tens hit TV series, So You Think You Can Dance. media that was designed to cut through the complexity of this groups media habits. At the core of the campaign was a simple yet striking image of a banana emerging from an energy snack wrapper alongside a new positioning statement: natures energy snack.

So You Think You Can Dance sponsorship

Another core idea behind the new campaign was to associate the Australian Bananas brand with the concept of dance a hugely popular activity for the target audience and the perfect expression of making your body sing. The sponsorship of SYTYCD has so far delivered results that have exceeded expectations. Right through the series, which ran from January to May 2010, the show regularly rated number one against the key target audience. Millions of people were exposed to the Australian Bananas message through the new advertising campaign, in-show branding and extensive activity on the SYTYCD website, including a sales promotion where banana consumers had the chance to win tickets to the grand finale show. An independent audit conducted to review the success of the sponsorship showed significant extra value was delivered (up to 50 per cent) compared to a standard media spot purchase.

New target audience

The key to delivering on this goal was to position bananas as a credible alternative to processed energy snacks for an important new target audience, 18 to 39 year-olds with no kids, who were consuming fewer bananas than other demographic groups. To make the brand more relevant to this new younger audience, the promotions team created a new brand logo, a new television campaign and a new approach to

Online marketing
Other web-based marketing activity also delivered pleasing results. Online advertising on music festival site Moshtix, for example, generated an interaction rate of 24.25 per cent, which is well above the industry average of 8.6 per cent. Incredibly, the Australian Bananas Facebook page now has over 12,000 fans, making it one of the most popular pages in the country. This gives the industry a direct online link with an engaged audience who love bananas. Moving forward, this new channel to market will be harnessed to drive the brand message and reinforce the many benefits of Australian Bananas.

Public Relations
A major PR campaign was also launched in response to Wrigleys chewing gum, which in its advertising suggested bananas cause tooth decay. The sustained campaign over a number of weeks attracted the attention of major media outlets across the country leading to Wrigleys agreeing to drop the reference to bananas in its advertising. From growers to retailers, for years the industry has devoted significant resources to communicate the wonderful health and nutritional benefits of bananas. The banana industry was determined to not have a confectionery company denigrating bananas when it is one of the healthiest snacks and a 100 per cent natural food. In time with this drive, the Australian Banana Growers Council and HAL ensured the media ran many stories on the positive health benefits of bananas, providing a PR boost to the health message.

Television advertising will still be used as a core tool to reinforce the new positioning and to continually place bananas on the consumers snacking consideration list. Branching out from this will be the introduction of more outdoor poster sites and internet advertising to deliver the message at the locations and times the primary audience is planning to snack. This activity will be the key to driving the behaviour change that will deliver more banana sales. Large billboard posters will be placed in close proximity to convenience stores to encourage both pedestrians and drivers to consider a banana instead of a processed energy snack. These billboard sites will be supported by the extensive use of posters on the backs of buses in major metropolitan markets.

Expanding range of sizes and ripeness to increase sales

Lack of variety is seen as a barrier to increasing banana sales, with consumer research undertaken in 2005, combined with other recent research, confirming that consumers are dissatisfied with the range of colour and size of bananas available. CDI Pinnacle Management (CDIPM) has developed a trialling methodology to test whether consumers are willing to purchase more bananas if they are offered increased variety (size and colour). The project will involve one chain retailer and selected ripeners, wholesalers, transporters and growers who are existing members of the chain retailers supply chain. Discussions are currently underway with both major chain retailers to gain a commitment to support the project. The commitment to the project is significant, requiring the involvement of up to eight stores, along with support from associated store and produce managers and from head office. Adjustments to the current ordering and store layouts are also required.
Project BA09023 For more information contact: Shane Comiskey, CDI Pinnacle Management T 0408 135 043 E scomisk@pinnaclemanagement.com.au

Market research
Initial tracking research is also showing encouraging signs of a shift in consumer attitudes as a result of the campaign. Even before the new campaign got into full swing, 37 per cent of people said they had seen bananas advertised up from 21 per cent a year earlier. In the same survey, 76 per cent of people said they were very likely to buy bananas in the next 4 weeks up from 71 per cent a year earlier. Sales data in March 2010 showed the number of people who bought bananas was up from 74 per to 75.8 per cent compared to same period last year. Perhaps the most significant research result so far is the fact that 44 per cent of people rate bananas as their preferred energy snack, which is up from 38 per cent six months earlier. It appears that attitudes about bananas are already starting to change. As we look toward the next stage of the campaign the focus will be on capitalising on this shift in attitude to deliver significant changes in behaviour.

The campaign will also place digital advertising messages on 1,228 screens in lifts in 234 large CBD buildings, reaching over 1.4 million people per month. These messages will be time-targeted to reach office workers as they head out of the office to grab a snack. Finally, building on the success of the current online campaign, digital communication will expand into more websites that are used by 18 to 39 yearolds while they snack at their desk during the day sites like Ninemsn, Yahoo and Facebook. An entirely new online creative campaign is currently being developed, which will see even more people interacting with the brand and even more people enjoying Australian bananas as Australias number one snack of choice.
Project BA09500 For more information contact: David Chenu, HAL General Manager Marketing T 02 8295 2300 E david.chenu@horticulture.com.au

Further activities
The second phase of the campaign commenced in the second half of the 2010 calendar year with a media plan to build on the platform that has already been laid.

Banana enterprise performance comparison

In order to maximise the economic sustainability of banana growers, growers need to have a better knowledge of how their business compares economically and operationally with their peers in the industry. Through knowledge, growers will be able to identify best practice management procedures on farms which, if adopted, will improve their own economic performance. Further, through analysis of economic performance growers are able to identify those areas of their business that they need to work on. A total of 50 face-to-face grower interviews are being conducted, which gather data on property sizes and locations, detailed information on production and packaging operations, production statistics, marketing strategies and financial returns. The data is being directly inputted into a purpose-built software program. Once data collection is completed, the project participants will receive their individual reports within one month of the final interview having been conducted.
Project BA09037 For more information contact: Shane Comiskey, CDI Pinnacle Management T 0408 135 043 E scomisk@pinnaclemanagement.com.au

Convenience stores offer new market

Convenience stores have been identified as a potential new market for fresh bananas in a project to test the viability of alternative distribution channels in the Australian domestic market. International produce suppliers such as Chiquita and Del Monte have conducted tests of bananas in convenience stores, cafs, foodservice, catering and vending channels in the US. The trials have been a success in several convenience stores and distribution has proceeded into commercial trading. The key findings for Australia from the US trials include: bananas can sell as single pieces of fruit through these types of distribution channels capturing this additional value provides the income scope for the tailored ripening and the level of servicing required a key enabling factor is a logistical system that can provide small daily quantities, in the region of two to three kilograms per order, to these types of stores this serves to reduce the incidence of waste/shrinkage at store level and provides a ready-to-eat product that snack buyers will purchase. In the Australian market there is potential to supply the following types of stores: 560 branded convenience stores that have common logistics providers 900 caf lunch bars in white collar catchments. Supply chains have been arranged, merchandising fixtures have been developed and trials are underway. The 7-Eleven convenience store chain, on its own initiative, has already gone past the trial stage and is successfully selling single serve bananas in 350 stores in the larger eastern states. Updates of the project are available on Freshlogics website www.freshlogic.com.au
Project BA09034 For more information contact: Martin Kneebone, Freshlogic T 03 9818 1588 E martin@freshlogic.com.au

Analysis identifies folate content

Australian bananas have higher levels of folate than previously thought, a recent nutritional analysis has revealed. A medium banana has around 50mcg of folate, 12 per cent of the Recommended Dietary Intake. This is more than found in US or UK data. Previously there were no published figures for the folate content of Australian bananas. In January 2010 Symbio Laboratories in Queensland analysed the macronutrient and vitamin content of the most common retail varieties, Cavendish and Lady Finger, to provide the industry with up-to-date nutritional information. Some vitamins were re-analysed by National Measurement Institute in Melbourne in May 2010. The project addressed a gap in information relating specifically to Australian bananas and to folate content, with previous analysis dating back to the 1980s. Banana samples from NSW, Queensland and WA were analysed at three stages of ripeness at which bananas are consumed: stage 4/5 of ripeness (yellow with green), stage 6 (yellow) and stage 7 (yellow with mottling). The project was completed in May 2010, with reports provided to David Chenu, HAL General Manager Marketing.
Project BA09053 For more information contact: Glenn Cardwell, Nutrition Impact T 08 9367 3556 E glenn@glenncardwell.com

Diagnosing banana freckle disease

Research is underway to develop a molecular diagnostic tool that will identify and distinguish a relatively harmless strain of the pathogen responsible for banana freckle disease from a more damaging strain that, so far, remains exotic to Australia. Banana freckle disease is caused by Guignardia musae. The most virulent strain of the pathogen infects Cavendish cultivars overseas, causing significant production losses in commercialbanana-producing countries overseas. Cavendish cultivars make up 95 per cent of Australian production and the disease represents a significant threat to the industry. Banana freckle disease defoliates the plant and results in uneven ripening and undersized fruit. Raised, brown lesions affect the cosmetic appearance of the fruit and compromise marketability.
Scientists discussing the morphology of the banana freckle pathogen in Malaysia

A second type of G. musae, found in isolated pockets of Australia, does not infect Cavendish cultivars. It causes fewer symptoms and affects only sugar and cooking banana varieties. To protect the Australian industry from the more virulent, Cavendish-infecting type strain, researchers are working to develop diagnostic tools that will rapidly distinguish between the endemic and the exotic strains.

During 2009/10 good progress has been made in identifying why Cavendish varieties overseas are susceptible to G. musae. A study of sequence diversity of conserved genes for nearly 40 endemic and exotic pathogen isolates is underway and some interesting population groups are emerging. Electron microscopy is being used to study the pathogens infection process and to understand why the Australian isolates do not infect Cavendish bananas. Collaboration with international experts in fungal taxonomy is planned to investigate whether any morphological differences can be found.
Project BA06007 For more information contact: Andre Drenth, The University of Queensland T 07 3201 1762 E drentha@deedi.qld.gov.au

Banana freckle disease on Cavendish Robusta in Tamil Nadu

Minor use pesticide permits

A small project is funding activities concerning minor use permits for the banana industry. While bananas are considered to be a major crop, there are still opportunities to access pesticides through the minor use permit process. Rodents are considered to be a real concern for the banana industry and while Zinc phosphide (Ratoff) has been utilised under a minor use permit, coumatetralyl (Racumin from Bayer) was submitted for a minor use permit late last year. At this stage, there is no further minor use permit activity because the strategic agrochemical review process (SARP) has not yet occurred within the banana industry. There have been some early discussions on conducting two banana industry SARPs in 2010 to give a priority on pesticide access.
Project BA08005 For more information contact: Brad Wells, HAL Plant Health Manager T 02 8295 2300 E brad.wells@horticulture.com.au

Developing a national banana plant protection program

Based on the recent development of the banana industry strategic plan and priority setting by industry stakeholders, four key strategic areas have been identified. These areas each address a number of key objectives as outlined in the strategic plan. The four key strategic areas of the plant protection program are: Resistant varieties and consumer choice: Facilitating the production of pathogen tested planting material of market-accepted varieties with specific disease and pest resistance for the security of the Australian banana industry. Safeguarding production and markets: Reduced risk from incursions of emergency and endemic plant pests through improved capacity for detection, identification and an effective coordinated early response. Sustainable production systems: Improved productivity through provision of cost-effective and sustainable management options for priority pests and diseases in the banana industry. Building science and communication: A networked industry-science capacity with high levels of shared understanding and robust skills to deliver products that add wealth. The program is due to commence in January 2011.
Project BA08030 For more information contact: Jonathan Eccles, ABGC T 07 3278 4786 E jonathan.eccles@abgc.org.au

Pure not the only option for waste bananas

A review of opportunities to make use of bananas that do not meet retail specifications has identified a range of processed food products overseas that are not yet being retailed in Australia. A global market scan of processed banana products was undertaken as part of a project to increase the value and use of waste bananas, which showed a diverse and growing range of products internationally. Reviewing the scientific, patent and industry literature identified product and processing options that could be used for the manufacture of new product types in Australia. These could provide an alternative to options such as processing fruit into bulk banana pure or other common ingredient forms that are not highly viable in Australia due to heavy price competition from imported products. The initial phases of the study included interviewing and surveying the bananagrowing, packing and marketing industries. Data was gathered on growers current disposal methods and the volumes and variability of food-grade surplus fruit. Information on current practices and new processing opportunities was presented to an industry workshop in Queensland in February 2010, detailing the research results and presenting options for product development. Based on feedback from the workshop, project researchers are currently assessing and developing specific concept products, with five of these presented to a second industry workshop in Queensland in June 2010. The workshop included product descriptions, feasibility assessment and sampling of prototypes to prioritise possible products for development. Opportunities were provided for companies to present current or planned products, with discussion on priorities for product development, cross-industry collaborations and links with growers, processors and marketers.
Project BA09025 For more information contact: Dr Roger Stanley, Agri-Science Queensland T 0434 565 167 E roger.stanley@deedi.qld.gov.au

Shredded stalks and out-of-spec fruit

Fruit bat or bird damage

Banana measuring gauge

Tissue culture vital in biosecurity and cultivar improvements

Queenslands banana tissue culture facilities at the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovations (DEEDI) Maroochy Research Station have been upgraded during the past year to meet increased containment requirements for bananas entering Australia, with support from the Queensland Government. This has allowed the facility to maintain Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) registration and meet higher QC2 requirements. The upgrade is part of a project to provide for long-term industry needs, including improved biosecurity, farm efficiency and profitability. To support research into disease and to foster diversified markets, banana cultivars are continually being safely imported as tissue-cultured plantlets under stringent quarantine requirements. The improved facilities will help Agri-Science Queensland, a service of DEEDI, improve biosecurity and continue to provide worlds best practice methods to safeguard Australia. Tissue cultures maintained at the facility represent the Australian banana collection a valuable source of banana cultivars that are continuously accessed for research into pests and diseases, for new markets and for biosecurity strategies. During the past year, technical input has been provided to help develop an improved Australian, rather than Queensland, Quality Banana Accredited Nursery (QBAN) scheme. Interstate agreement on regulations and a national scheme is expected to improve grower access to disease-free banana plants across Australia. Research to improve several aspects of banana production has also been ongoing. A reliable bacterial indexing method has been developed to reduce losses during tissue-culture production.

Trial nets early yield

Early results from trials in the Carnarvon district of Western Australia indicate that growing bananas under protective netting may help improve the quality and yield of crops. Growers in this part of WA are challenged by the subtropical desert climate and strong west-south-westerly prevailing winds. These conditions compromise fruit quality and plant growth, causing leaf shearing, fruit rub and sunburn. During a study tour to Israel in 2006 a delegation of growers from the Sweeter Banana Cooperative and staff from the Department of Agriculture and Food, WA, saw bananas cultivated with protection. This prompted the idea of trialling protective cultivation of bananas at Carnarvon to see if it is a cost-effective means of managing the environmental challenges of the region.

Banana tissue culture plantlet

Preliminary work on using beneficial bacteria to inoculate tissue-cultured plants at nursery stage shows promise. Results indicate significant increases in growth of inoculated plants compared to non-inoculated plants, both grown with reduced fertiliser applications. Progress has also been made in investigating the benefits of silicon to improve production and plant health. Work in this project supports long term strategies for preparedness against the threat of additional imported bananas and potential impacts to production from tropical race 4 Fusarium wilt, as well as the need to develop sustainable production practices that are cost effective while reducing environmental impact.
Project BA07001 For more information contact: Sharon Hamill, Agri-Science Queensland T 07 5453 5942 E sharon.hamill@deedi.qld.gov.au

Although not conclusive, research from the first harvest of plants in the trial indicated an accelerated growth cycle for plants grown under protective nets, compared to those grown without protection. From planting in February 2009, plants with protection were first harvested in March 2010. Harvesting of fruit from plants grown outside netting began in April 2010. Preliminary data indicates that bunches grown under netting are, on average, 25 per cent heavier than those grown outside, and the quality of fruit grown under netting appears to be superior. In conjunction with the net trials, the project is also testing different planting densities in crops without protection to identify optimal plant densities for yield and quality in this environment. The next part of the project is to conduct a benchmarking study with growers in the Carnarvon district to obtain a snapshot of current production practices and business performance. The experimental work is scheduled to continue until 2013.
Project BA08003 For more information contact: Dr Chris Schelfhout, DAFWA T 0447 972 839 E chris.schelfhout@agric.wa.gov.au

Silicon solution to fusarium wilt investigated

The potential of silicon to inhibit the development of banana fusarium wilt is being investigated in two research projects underway at the University of Queensland. As part of a PhD project, Australian Postgraduate Award scholar Kevan Jones is researching whether banana plants treated with silicon are more resistant to infection by fusarium. A difference in the roots of plants following silicon treatment has been observed and microanalysis to determine how this could inhibit the fusarium fungus is being used. In an aligned project, honours student Annelie Marquardt is testing whether the addition of silicon to banana tissue culture plants renders the plants more resistant when challenged with fusarium later in their growth. While it is unlikely that silicon application alone will completely control fusarium wilt, it has the potential to reduce symptoms and yield losses in conjunction with other control measures. Field trials are planned to determine if silicon treatments are able to reduce the effects of fusarium in crops and potentially inhibit the growth of other banana pathogens.
Project BA09057 For more information contact: Dr Elizabeth Aitken, The University of Queensland T 07 3365 4775 E e.aitken@uq.edu.au

Harvesting banana roots for defence gene studies

Banana industry takes stock of environmental efforts

Social media is helping to identify consumer perceptions of the banana industrys environmental credentials, while grower surveys are tracking the adoption of environmental best practice in the industry. In response to a need identified in the Banana Industry of Australia Strategic Review and the industry strategic plan, Australian Bananas 200914, both consumer and grower surveys are part of efforts to develop an environmental strategy and improve the environmental integrity of the industry. An environmental stocktake of the industry began in January 2010 as the first step in producing an environmental strategy. A project reference group, drawn from the ABGC, HAL and growers, is overseeing the project. A grower survey based on the publication Guidelines for Environmental Assurance in Australian Horticulture, developed by HAL in 2006, was undertaken to identify the level of adoption of environmental best practice in the industry. At the same time, an online survey was used to test consumer perceptions of the environmental performance of the Australian banana industry. The consumer survey was distributed via social media, including Twitter, Facebook and a viral email. This proved to be an effective means of attracting survey respondents at minimal cost. The surveys have yielded some valuable results that are being used, along with further grower consultation, to develop recommendations for future industry activity. This will include an environmental communications plan to guide the industrys environmental management messages. The environmental strategy will be provided to the industry in June 2010 for consideration and adoption. The Australian banana industry environmental strategy is being developed by Tasmanian Quality Assured Australia.
Project BA09063 For more information contact: Amy Russell, TQA Australia T 0400 160 442 E amy.russell@tqainc.com.au

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Evaluating international competitors

Quarantine restrictions have largely protected the Australian banana industry from competition with more cheaply produced imported produce. Proposals to allow imports from the Philippines could rapidly change the competitive landscape for local producers. A project analysing the international competitiveness of the Australian industry has found that Australia is best placed to compete through a strategy of differentiation combined with: improvements in supply chain integration to reduce costs and build relationships development of credible information to support and leverage the industrys credentials with consumers. The Australian banana industry competes successfully in the mature local market against other domestically produced and imported fruits, supplying around 270,000 tonnes annually. The analysis of international markets is one of a number of steps being taken to improve the competitiveness of the Australian banana industry, to learn from other markets and prepare for the future. Others include: implementing a national levy to invest in R&D and marketing preparing a new five-year strategic plan to guide industry investments investing in a number of strategic projects to address information gaps and better understand how the industry can allocate its resources to maximise its competitiveness. The greatest competition for Australian producers is expected to come from the Philippines, which is the worlds secondlargest producer of bananas, behind India, and the second largest exporter of bananas, after Ecuador. The Philippines competes internationally as a high-quality, low-cost supplier, producing more than 8.7 million tonnes of bananas annually. This is about 30 times larger than total Australian production. It exports two million tones of bananas a year about seven times the total Australian production. It consistently meets the demand of sophisticated customers in developed economies such as Japan and New Zealand and the industry has productivity levels double that of the Australian industry.
Project BA09048 For more information contact: Brian Ramsay, Inovact Consulting T 02 6140 3900 E brian@inovact.com.au

Review updates nursery scheme

A review of the Quality Banana Approved Nursery (QBAN) scheme has identified a number of areas for further improvement, including new training materials and a review of banana transport movement regulations. The primary purpose of the QBAN scheme is to prevent the introduction, establishment, and spread of plant pests and diseases that may affect banana plants. A review to update and strengthen the existing QBAN scheme was conducted. As part of the update, a series of documents were developed including: written protocols to outline key roles and responsibilities forms to monitor compliance to the scheme requirements self-assessment and internal audit checklists to verify compliance to the QBAN scheme. Further recommendations designed to enhance adoption of the QBAN scheme include: development of a QBAN technical committee and implementation plan development of clear training materials to assist with implementation a review of existing banana movement regulations. Industry and Investment NSW, Agri-Science Queensland, Biosecurity Queensland, the ABGC and representatives from QBAN facilities were among the organisations involved in the review. The updated QBAN scheme provides clear guidelines for establishments involved in the commercial production of tissue-culture plantlets. This ensures the implementation of a rigorous and transparent system aimed at preventing the spread of priority plant pests and diseases of banana across Australia.
Project BA08026 For more information contact: Tundra Howe, TQA Australia T 03 6423 6008 E tundra.howe@tqainc.com.au

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Surveys track banana price and profits

The banana retail price surveys are providing industry with valuable information about price fluctuations using data collected weekly in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. The data collected includes details about the banana display, fruit weight and price, and whether or not fruit is on special. The survey project was launched in September 2009 to more clearly identify the margin between what the grower receives and the consumer pays for fruit. It builds on banana volume information available as per transport statistics through ABGC. Graphs for Cavendish and Lady Finger bananas are published weekly on ABGCs website, www.abgc.org.au, showing maximum, minimum and average retail unit price per kilgoram. Data is based on a survey of 16 selected supermarkets and independent retailers in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, conducted each Monday during the survey week.
Project BA09036 For more information contact: Joanna Embry, Avocados Australia Limited T 0448 113 007 E j.embry@avocado.org.au

Industry Communications Program

The Australian Bananas magazine is published and distributed twice annually. Over the past 12 months the magazine has reported on new national levy projects, the Eighth Banana Industry Congress in June 2009, the launch of the new promotions and marketing campaign and updates on the various R&D projects currently being conducted for the banana industry. The ABGC web site is continuously being updated and over the past 12 months has included a number of new reporting projects including daily and weekly market reports, north Queensland transport figures and most recently retail survey reports for Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth regions. The retail reports cover both Cavendish and lady finger average prices in all four markets. All these reporting features are updated daily and weekly.
Project BA06006 For more information contact: Jonathan Eccles, ABGC T 07 3278 4786 E jonathan.eccles@abgc.org.au

Cavendish retail survey report

North Queensland transport figures

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Keeping sub-tropic growers informed

A printed bi-monthly newsletter The Sub-tropics Banana News has been one of the most important tools developed as part of a project to improve communication for banana growers within subtropical regions of NSW, Queensland and WA following the introduction of the new national levy. The project began in February 2009 with an audit and development of a communications plan, which was implemented during the 2008/09 financial year. The eight-page A4 newsletter is distributed every two months to more than 500 growers and other stakeholders. It contains a range of information relevant to growers such as regional news, best-practice case studies, employee information, marketing news, banana bunchy top national project reports, ABGC news and human-interest stories, including articles featuring growers across the subtropical regions. A database update revealed only 35 per cent of growers have email access, so an emailed newsletter sent out in alternate months to the Sub-tropics Banana News is seen as a secondary communications tool. Anecdotal feedback from growers and stakeholders about the newsletters and a number of other communication tools has been positive.
Story on the National Banana Bunchy Top Project: image features Edith Nicholls, SE Queensland inspector; David Peasley, NSW Coordinator; and Minister for Agriculture, Tony Burke

Nine facts sheets have been produced to provide an up-to-date summary of information on a range of issues, and these have been distributed via the newsletter. Issues addressed include Panama disease, flying fox control measures, nutrition and managing climate change. The subtropical section of the ABGC website has been developed to promote field days and generate publicity around events or issues of concern to subtropical growers. The communications project officer has also helped to organise and promote two marketing workshops held on the east coast in May 2010, to develop marketing plans for the subtropical sector. The results of a grower survey are being analysed and will provide a measure of value on the various communication tools that have been used. The analysis will be included in the final project report.
Project BA08013 For more information contact: Neville Sloss, Green PR T 02 6687 8939 E neville@greenpr.com.au

THESUBTROPICS BANANANEWS
Editorial
It is hard to believe that 2009 is coming to an end and soon we will be writing 10 on our cheques, if we still write them! Electronic banking is rapidly replacing the need for cheques, there are literally millions of mobile phones in use in Australia every day, and people are under all sorts of different modern pressures in their lives. It is interesting then, that an increasing number of people in capital cities and regional centres are going back to the old ways when it comes to food and produce. From my observations the organic push is clearly happening here and is a market niche that offers opportunities for growers in Australia. Sure it is not for everyone, nor is it likely that the majority of consumers will want organic, but those who do, they are willing to pay a premium and a better return results for growers. The Marketing Review said a key short term possibility for subtropical growers was expanding into the premium independent food and produce retailers. Growing organic could be one alternative for some subtropical growers to grow your businesses? Have a safe and happy festive season!

News for the sub tropical banana industry. Edition 5, December 2009/January 2010

Print Post approved: PP330747/00136

this issue
Around the regions p.3 A committment to organics p.4 Sweet success in WA p.7 Australian Bananas promotion p.8

Who are these young people and what are they doing? Turn to page 8 for the answer.

New National Hort Award news

The Horticulture Australia Council has just put in submissions to vary the 2010 National Horticultural Award so that better consideration is taken of industry needs. As well as the banana industry, the Council includes around 20 other horticultural organisations in its membership and has been mounting a case to vary the Award on key points: to enable employers to continue to pay piece rates of pay to casual employees who pick produce, as opposed to a minimum rate of pay supplemented by an incentive based payment; to pay with regard to the perishable nature of the produce grown when setting hours of work provisions for employees who pick and pack the produce; and to provide for roster arrangements and working hours that are sufficiently flexible to accommodate seasonal demands and restrictions caused by weather as to when work can be performed. The HAC is hoping that it will be able to argue its case before the Australian Industrial Relations Commission, as we have significant independent economic analysis that documents the potential negative impacts on the horticultural industry from the Award as it now stands, said a HAC spokesperson. While the new Award is due to come into effect on January 1, it is believed most provisions will not affect smaller growers until July 1, 2010. More information in future editions.

Forum to seek growers input

Growers from all banana regions of Australia will be given the opportunity to input into the future of the industry at a special forum in Coffs Harbour in March next year. The forum is being organised to collect the views of growers about possible topics for research and development and how the Industry levies are best spent, says CEO of ABGC Tony Heidrich. One person from each region will be invited to attend the forum, which will also be attended by the chairs of the Industry Advisory Committee and its sub-committees. It is hoped that each region will be able to discuss issues at their first meetings of the year or convene a special meeting to do that, and also select a representative to take their views to the forum. All costs of attendance will be covered by the ABGC to make it accessible to all. It is important that we can collect opinions and ideas so that national levies can be used to assist our industrys development in the future, said Tony. It will be a busy week in Coffs Harbour for the banana industry from Monday 1 March. The forum will precede the first ABGC Board meeting of 2010, as well as IAC and subcommittee meetings.

December 2009/January 2010 issue

Grower story: Dave and Rodney Atwal from Dunbible, on the far north coast of NSW

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Governance training
Undertaking the governance training provided an educational program for directors and committee members on corporate governance specific to the not-for-profit sector. The course was conducted in Cairns in conjunction with Board, IAC and sub-committee meetings held during the first week of August 2009. The course provided the directors and committee members with an understanding of: the duties and responsibilities of directors the role of the regulatory authorities in the not-for-profit sector the potential personal liability of directors and members comparing the role of directors and members in not-for-profit organisations with the commercial sector the major elements of financial statements a directors duties with regard to a companys financial statements and financial reports the use of financial data in analysing simple financial ratios how to evaluate solvency the Board or councils role in improving financial performance.
Project BA09016 For more information contact: Jann Bonsall, ABGC T 07 3278 4786 E jann@abgc.org.au

Industry development initiatives self-sustaining

Improved communication and access to information are among the benefits from a three-year project to facilitate the development of the Queensland banana industry. Although the project ended in September 2009, a number of self-sustaining initiatives have been embedded in the industry, such as the production of the Banana News newsletter. Research and planning groundwork has also been laid down to improve labour-hire and supply chain issues in the industry and improve farm management practices. Growcom delivered the facilitation project for HAL, employing a full-time industry development officer, with a steering committee to provide guidance. Activities were focused on three issues: industry communication workforce planning implementation of the farm management system. Improved industry communication was achieved through regular production of the newsletter Banana News, contributions to industry magazines and facilitation of grower meetings. The project also re-established the Banana Agribusiness Management Group for representatives from the banana service industry, which now meets regularly. Information and opportunities for Queensland banana growers were enhanced through the workforce planning activities, which included grower meetings and interaction with training organisations, government departments, a national labour-hire company and local accommodation providers. Planning has advanced to attract international students studying horticulture to work in the industry, with the long-term goal being to increase the skill base of the banana industry workforce. Four farms were engaged to contribute to the development of the farm-management system, helping to produce best-practice guidelines for water and nutrients. Other activities identified supply chain improvements and export opportunities. Research and links with the transport industry led to the production of a report on the potential of coastal shipping for the Queensland banana industry. A transport forum, held as part of the 2009 Banana Congress, discussed the future outlook for the supply chain. A progressive natural resource management survey has also been conducted.
Project BA06003 For more information contact: Alex Livingstone, Growcom T 07 3620 3844 E alivingstone@growcom.com.au

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Communication strategy to build influence

Banana growers, the Australian Government and the media are the highest priority audiences indentified in ABGCs completed communication and engagement strategy. The strategy aims to position the industry in the minds of key stakeholders as: an essential source of home grown, sustainable produce and a fundamental part of innovative, prosperous regional communities. It will position the industry as a professional and important player in the economy, help ABGC to achieve more influence with key audiences and deliver greater value for banana levy payers. ABGC will play a leading role in the design and delivery of communication and engagement services, to create value for banana levy payers. Initiatives proposed include to: develop an appropriately resourced communication and engagement infrastructure that will enable effective communication with internal and external audiences for the banana industry develop and distribute compelling content to ensure the industry messages are clearly understood by all audiences meet and exceed grower expectations of ABGC and HAL in the area of communications and engagement implement a program of external communication activity that builds a clear profile for the industry on critical national issues and policies that impact on the industry. A survey of 200 banana growers, undertaken in developing the communication and engagement strategy, identified clear and important differences between the information needs and habits of small and large growers. Communication and engagement with these audiences will be designed to meet their differing needs. The survey indicated that growers value the current information and advocacy service the ABGC provides for them. Communication with banana growers will build on the ABGCs current strengths and take advantage of emerging communication technologies. Investment in strategically targeted communication and engagement activities will provide growers with valuable, timely information.
Project BA09017 For more information contact: Brian Ramsay, Inovact Consulting T 02 6140 3900 E brian@inovact.com.au

Wholesale reports give growers greater market control

An increasing number of growers are accessing independent wholesale market reports, allowing them to make better-informed decisions about marketing their produce and setting prices. During the past year daily banana market reports, containing prices from all Australian central markets, have been provided through the ABGC website each market trading day, along with a weekly summary. This has given growers unprecedented access to independently published prices for the first time. Nearly 6,000 hits were recorded in the nine months since counting commenced in mid August 2009 and early May 2010. Delivering the market reports on an industry-wide basis provides significant savings and access via the internet is free. Greater access to current prices by producers enhances their ability to assess returns, make decisions about which markets are underperforming or outperforming, and to hold their wholesalers more accountable. More growers are encouraged to make use of the pricing information, to improve the accuracy of pricing and the level of disclosure between growers and wholesalers.
Project BA08011 For more information contact: Trevor Brewer, Ausmarket Consultants T 07 3379 4576 E admin@ausmarket.com.au

Banana industry and HAL partnership agreement

The partnership agreement between Australian Banana Growers Council (ABGC) and HAL sets out the tasks each organisation will perform to enable the other to discharge its responsibilities related to levy payers and industry services. Partnership agreement activities are funded by HAL using the banana R&D levy and matched funds from the Australian Government as well as banana marketing funds. These funds enable ABGC to undertake the Annual Levy Payers Meeting, conduct IAC meetings, attend HAL Industry Forums, attend HAL/ABGC Executive Board to Board consultation meetings, and other formal and informal consultation between personnel of ABGC and HAL. These costs are reviewed by ABGC and HAL at least annually.
Project BA09900/10 For more information contact: Jonathan Eccles, ABGC T 07 3278 4786 E jonathan.eccles@abgc.org.au

15

INvESTINg IN AUSTRALIAN hORTIcULTURE Australian Government priorities

As part of the Australian Governments commitment to rural research and development, horticulture industries can access matching Commonwealth funding through HAL for all research and development activities. The Australian Governments Rural Research and Development Priorities aim to foster innovation and guide R&D effort in the face of continuing economic, environmental and social change. HALs operations are closely aligned with these priorities. This chart shows the percentage of expenditure in HALs banana R&D program against each of the Australian Government priorities for rural research and development. Full details of expenditure across all industries is available in HALs annual report at www.horticulture.com.au

Productivity and Adding Value

Improve the productivity and profitability of existing industries and support the development of viable new industries.

Climate Variability and Climate Change

Build resilience to climate variability and adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Supply Chain and Markets

Better understand and respond to domestic and international market and consumer requirements and improve the flow of such information through the whole supply chain, including to consumers.

Biosecurity
Protect Australias community, primary industries and environment from biosecurity threats.

Innovation Skills
Improve the skills to undertake research and apply its findings.

Natural Resource Management

Support effective management of Australias natural resources to ensure primary industries are both economically and environmentally sustainable.

Technology
Promote the development of new and existing technologies.

Banana 2010
Technology (7.5%) Innovation Skills (19.8%) Productivity and Adding Value (31.0%)

Consultation funding
Consultation funding is paid by HAL to cover costs for IAC meetings, annual levy payers meetings and costs within the partnership agreement between HAL and the member industry that are specified as consultation, for example R&D program consultation. In 2009/10 $128,039 of consultation funding was budgeted to be provided to the Australian Banana Growers Council.

Biosecurity (10.6%) Climate Variability and Climate Change (1.6%)

Supply Chain and Markets (26.2%) Natural Resources Management (3.2%)

Relationships and roles relating to HAL

Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) is a not-for-profit industry owned company. Its role is to manage the expenditure of funds collected by the Australian Government on behalf of horticulture industries. In 2009/10 HAL will invest more than $90 million in projects to benefit horticulture industries. An Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) is established for each industry with a statutory levy and annual income exceeding $150,000. It makes recommendations to HAL on the expenditure of funds. The Industry Representative Body (IRB) for an industry is responsible for recommending to HAL the establishment of, and any changes to, statutory levies. The IRB for an industry with a statutory levy recommends membership of the IAC to HAL and must demonstrate how the skills required on an IAC are met by the persons they recommend for appointment to the committee. For more information please visit www.horticulture.com.au

In 2009/10 the Australian Banana Growers Council acted as the service provider on seven projects. Full details can be found on pages 18 and 19 of this report.

16

AcROSS INDUSTRY PROgRAm

The banana industry contributes funding towards an across industry program that addresses issues affecting all of horticulture. Details of the current program are listed below. A full report of the program can be found at http://www.horticulture.com.au/industries/ across_industry_program.asp
Project No. Project title Levy or VC Project start Project completion Organisation Contact

Objective 1: To enhance the efficiency, transparency, responsiveness and integrity of the supply chain AH07033 AH09009 Incident response protocol development and training for horticulture Food security discussion paper Levy Levy 21 Apr 08 1 Apr 10 30 Sep 09 28 May 10 Control Risks Horticulture Australia Limited Horticulture Australia Limited Horticulture Australia Limited Stephen Winter & Associates Pty Ltd Horticulture Australia Limited Horticulture Australia Limited Stephen Winter & Associates Pty Ltd Kalang Consultants Horticulture Australia Limited Horticulture Australia Limited Stephen Winter & Associates Pty Ltd Kalang Consultants Julian Heath 02 9279 0099 Richard Bennett 03 5825 3753 Chris Rowley 02 8901 0329 Natalie Weigand 02 8295 2300 Stephen Winter 03 9832 0787 Kim James 08 6389 1407 Richard Bennett 03 5825 3753 Stephen Winter 03 9832 0787 Rob Duthie 02 6286 7151 Wayne Prowse 02 8295 2300 Chris Rowley 02 8901 0329 Stephen Winter 03 9832 0787 Rob Duthie 02 6286 7151 Kevin Bodnaruk 02 9499 3833 Lyndall Miller 02 8295 2300 Dr Ravi Hegde 02 8295 2300 Nick Langley 02 6201 2882 Kevin Bodnaruk 02 9499 3833 Lyndall Miller 02 8295 2300 Lyndall Miller 02 8295 2300 Dr Isabel Faeth 03 9659 8300 Peter Dal Santo 03 5439 5916 Richard Bennett 03 5825 3753

Objective 2: Maximise the health benefits of horticulture products AH07006 AH07007 Promoting the health advantage of fruit and vegetable to increase their consumption Horticulture Wellbeing Initiative Levy Levy 1 Jul 07 27 Jun 08 30 Jun 10 31 Jul 09

Objective 3: Position horticulture to compete in a globalised environment AH07002 AH07003 AH09012 AH09018 AH09019 AH09021 AH09023 AH09026 HG08061 HAL market access coordination Market access support program (follows project AH05034) Codex participation 2009/10 Office of Horticulture Market Access National Director Office of Horticulture Market Access technical (SPS and Research and Development) manager Office of Horticulture Market Access operations support Health and well-being in horticulture Productivity Commission study on bilateral and regional trade agreements Market access R&D support service Levy Levy Levy Levy Levy Levy Levy Levy Levy 1 Jul 07 30 Jun 08 1 Oct 09 1 Apr 10 1 Oct 09 1 Sep 09 1 Nov 09 8 Feb 10 1 Jul 08 1 Oct 09 1 Oct 09 28 May 10 28 Feb 12 30 Sep 10 31 Dec 11 1 Nov 10 31 Mar 10 1 Oct 09

Objective 4: Achieve long term viability and sustainability for Australian horticulture AH04007 AH08003 AH08014 AH08019 AH09003 AH09005 AH09014 AH09029 MT07029 MT09043 Pesticide regulation coordinator Analysis of horticultures carbon footprint Horticulture industry consultation on Award modernisation Access to the invasive species compendium for the Australian horticultural industry Plant protection: regulatory support and co-ordination Horticulture Water Initiative 2009/10 program Across-industry climate research, development and extension (RD&E) activities Horticulture balanced scorecard economic assessment Managing pesticide access in horticulture Enhancing confidence in product integrity in domestic and export markets Levy Levy Levy Levy Levy Levy Levy Levy Levy Levy/ VC 5 Jul 04 20 Feb 09 17 Nov 08 1 May 09 1 Jul 09 1 Sep 09 13 Apr 10 16 Apr 10 1 Jul 07 30 Sep 10 31 Jul 09 23 Oct 09 30 Nov 09 31 May 10 30 May 14 30 Jun 10 31 Mar 11 12 May 10 30 Jun 10 31 May 11 AKC Consulting Pty Ltd Horticulture Australia Limited Horticulture Australia Limited CRC for National Plant Biosecurity AKC Consulting Pty Ltd Horticulture Australia Limited Horticulture Australia Limited Access Economics Pty Ltd AgAware Consulting Pty Ltd Horticulture Australia Limited

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bANANA PROgRAm 2009/10

Project No. Project title Levy or VC Project start Project completion Organisation Contact

BA06003 BA06006 BA06007 BA07001

Facilitating the development of the Queensland banana industry Australian Banana Growers Communication Program Strengthening disease detection, diagnosis and surveillance Strategic banana tissue culture research, industry development and biosecurity activities Growing subtropical bananas for quality and yield Minor use permits for the banana industry Demonstrating the benefits of early establishment of tissue culture plants to the NSW banana industry Banana wholesale market report Subtropical banana industry communications Banana industry strategic plan: 20092014 National banana bunchy top virus management phase 1 Economic modeling for the banana industry strategic plan A review and update of the Quality Banana Approved Nursery (QBAN) compliance scheme Eighth Australian Banana Industry Congress Developing a national banana plant protection program Market development for the subtropical banana industry Governance training Development of the National Communications Plan Banana industry supply chain analysis Commercial feasibility of banana waste utilisation in the processed food industry Investigating alternative banana distribution channels Banana retail price surveys Banana enterprise performance comparison Building competitive banana production systems for a sustainable future

VC Levy/ VC Levy/ VC Levy/ VC Levy/ VC Levy VC

16 Sep 06 1 Aug 06 21 Aug 06 1 Dec 07

16 Sep 09 30 Jul 10 1 Aug 10 17 Dec 10

Growcom Australian Banana Growers Council Inc The University of Queensland Agri-Science Queensland

Alex Livingstone 07 3620 3844 Jonathan Eccles 07 3278 4786 Andre Drenth 07 3201 1762 Sharon Hamill 07 5453 5942 Dr Chris Schelfhout 0447 972 839 Brad Wells 02 8295 2300 Peter Newley 02 6650 3111 Trevor Brewer 07 3379 4576 Neville Sloss 02 6687 8939 Dr Richard Price 0409 624 297 Jonathan Eccles 07 3278 4786 Derek Quirke 02 6245 7800 Tundra Howe 03 6423 6008 Jonathan Eccles 07 3278 4786 Jonathan Eccles 07 3278 4786 Brian Ramsay 02 6140 3900 Jann Bonsall 07 3278 4786 Brian Ramsay 02 6140 3900 Shane Comiskey 0408 135 043 Dr Roger Stanley 0434 565 167 Martin Kneebone 03 9818 1588 Joanna Embry 0448 113 007 Shane Comiskey 0408 135 043 Stewart Lindsay 07 4064 1130

BA08003

1 Sep 08

30 Nov 13

Department of Agriculture & Food Western Australia Horticulture Australia Limited Industry & Investment NSW Ausmarket Consultants Green PR Kiri-Ganai Research Australian Banana Growers Council Inc Centre for International Economics Tasmanian Quality Assured Australia Australian Banana Growers Council Inc Australian Banana Growers Council Inc Inovact Consulting Australian Banana Growers Council Inc Inovact Consulting CDI Pinnacle Management Pty Ltd Agri-Science Queensland Freshlogic Pty Ltd Avocados Australia Limited CDI Pinnacle Management Pty Ltd Agri-Science Queensland

BA08005 BA08010

1 Aug 08 1 Oct 08

31 May 10 31 Aug 10

BA08011 BA08013 BA08018 BA08020 BA08024 BA08026 BA08027 BA08030 BA08033 BA09016 BA09017 BA09023 BA09025 BA09034 BA09036 BA09037 BA09038

Levy Levy Levy Levy Levy Levy VC Levy Levy Levy Levy Levy Levy Levy Levy Levy Levy

25 May 09 16 Feb 09 27 Oct 08 30 Apr 09 1 Nov 08 16 Apr 09 6 Apr 09 30 Apr 09 31 Mar 09 17 Jul 09 21 Aug 09 2 Nov 09 1 Sep 09 1 Oct 09 1 Oct 09 1 Oct 09 13 Sep 10

31 May 11 1 Jul 10 3 Jul 09 31 May 12 7 Sep 09 30 Nov 09 28 Sep 09 31 Aug 10 30 Sep 09 31 May 10 1 Feb 10 31 Aug 10 31 Aug 10 1 Aug 10 31 Aug 10 31 Aug 10 10 Dec 13

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Project No.

Project title

Levy or VC

Project start

Project completion

Organisation

Contact

BA09041 BA09048 BA09053 BA09055 BA09057 BA09063

New and alternative banana varieties designed to increase market growth Assessment of Australian banana industry global competitiveness Nutrient analysis of the banana July 09 Yellow Sigatoka surveillance Analyses of the effect of silicon on Fusarium wilt on banana Establishing a strategy for improving the environmental integrity of the Australian banana industry Domestic marketing plan Banana Partnership Agreement 200912 Development of an International Standard for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) used in orchards Data collection program Consumer tracking study

Levy Levy Levy Levy Levy Levy

1 Oct 09 1 Oct 09 1 Aug 09 1 Sep 09 23 Nov 09 8 Jan 10

31 Dec 10 31 Jan 10 30 Sep 09 30 Sep 10 19 Jul 10 11 Jun 10

Agri-Science Queensland Inovact Consulting Nutrition Impact Pty Ltd Australian Banana Growers Council Inc The University of Queensland Tasmanian Quality Assured Inc Horticulture Australia Limited Australian Banana Growers Council Inc Keith Batten & Associates

Jeff Daniells 07 4064 1129 Brian Ramsay 02 6140 3900 Glenn Cardwell 08 9367 3556 Jonathan Eccles 07 3278 4786 Dr Elizabeth Aitken 07 3365 4775 Amy Russell 0400 160 442 David Chenu 02 8295 2300 Jonathan Eccles 07 3278 4786 Keith Batten 0418 738 969 Wayne Prowse 02 8295 2300 Steve Sheppard 02 8399 3850

BA09500 BA09900 /10 MT08013

Levy Levy Levy/ VC Levy/ VC Levy

1 Oct 09 1 Jul 09 15 Jul 08

30 Jun 10 30 Jun 12 1 Aug 10

MT08015 MT08060

15 Sep 08 1 Dec 08

30 Jun 10 1 Dec 11

Horticulture Australia Limited Brand Story Pty Limited

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bANANA INvESTmENT SUmmARY

Year Ended 30 June 2010
Marketing 2009/10 $ R&D 2009/10 $ Combined 2009/10 $

Funds available 1 July 2009 INCOME Levies Received Commonwealth Contributions Other Income Total Income Budget Variance to Budget PROGRAM INVESTMENT Levy Programs Service Delivery Programs by HAL Across Industry Funding Levy Collection Costs Total Investment Budget Variance to Budget Annual Surplus/Deficit Closing Balance 30 June 2010

1,111,401

661,614

1,773,015

3,590,260

1,671,328 895,149

5,261,588 895,149 115,256 6,271,993 6,237,721 34,272

79,807 3,670,067 3,179,482 490,585

35,449 2,601,926 3,058,239 (456,313)

3,153,606 475,564

1,555,699 234,599 10,605

4,709,305 710,163 10,605 108,612 5,538,685 6,742,666 1,203,981 733,308 2,506,323

74,112 3,703,282 3,723,445 20,163 (33,215) 1,078,186

34,500 1,835,403 3,019,221 1,183,818 766,523 1,428,137

Banana Industry Advisory Committee (IAC)

Sue White (Chair) Adrian Crema Marc Darveniza Tom Day Gavin Devaney Gary Fattore Cameron MacKay Doug Phillips Jonathan Eccles (Ex-Officio) John Tyas (Ex-Officio)

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

John Tyas Industry Services Manager Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) PO Box 12996 George Street QLD 4003 T 07 3394 8220 E john.tyas@horticulture.com.au

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Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) Level 7, 179 Elizabeth Street Sydney NSW 2000 T 02 8295 2300 F 02 8295 2399 www.horticulture.com.au