Information sessions on the assessment of alternative measures for bananas from the Philippines

We invite you to join our in-person and virtual information sessions on the assessment of alternative measures for fresh Cavendish bananas from the Philippines.

At these sessions, we will explain the assessment process, how we will engage with you and answer any of your questions.

When and where
Webinars:

• Wednesday 17 September, 3:00pm to 3:30pm AEST, MS Teams Live Event 

• Friday 19 September, 3:00pm to 3:30pm AEST, MS Teams Live Event 

• Wednesday 24 September, 1:00pm to 1:30pm AEST, MS Teams Live Event 

• Thursday 23 October, 3:00pm – 3:30pm AEDT, MS Teams Live Event

In-person information sessions:

• Monday 13 October, 3:00pm to 4:30pm AEST, Brothers Leagues Club - Shamrock Room, Innisfail, Qld

• Tuesday 14 October, 1:00pm to 2:30pm AEST, Mareeba Leagues Club - Function Room, Mareeba, Qld

• Wednesday 15 October, 5:00pm to 6:30pm AEDT, Murwillumbah Services Club - Function Room, Murwillumbah, NSW

• Thursday 16 October, 2:30 – 4:00pm AEDT, Park Beach Bowls Club - Function Room, Coffs Harbour, NSW

Note:

• Each session will cover the same content.

• For the webinars, the link to the MS Teams Live Event will be included in your confirmation email.

How to register
These are free events. To attend, please register by selecting the ‘Register’ button.

About the assessment
We are conducting an assessment of alternative measures for the importation of fresh Cavendish bananas from the Philippines. This is in response to the Philippines' formal request for Australia to consider alternative measures to manage the main pathogens of concern identified in the 2008 Philippine bananas import risk analysis. 

Our assessment will involve:

• a comprehensive scientific assessment for the 3 main pathogens of concern (Moko, black Sigatoka and banana freckle) and consideration of risk management measures alternative to those proposed in the 2008 import risk analysis

• a review of the 2008 import risk analysis to ensure the assessments of other pests are still appropriate and determine whether any new biosecurity risks have emerged since 2008

• consideration of the Philippines' request for access for an additional cultivar, 'GCTCV-218' (also known as 'Formosana'), and an additional export province, Davao de Oro in the Davao Region or Region 11, that were not assessed in the 2008 import risk analysis.

Once we complete the initial assessment, we will release a draft report for public consultation.

The notification that we are conducting the assessment does not mean that trade will occur or is imminent. There are several steps still required before any decision is made whether or not it is safe to implement alternative measures. The full process could take several years.

We remain committed to upholding Australia’s biosecurity status and protecting domestic industries from pest and disease threats. We will only agree to alternative measures if our assessment concludes the measures effectively manage the biosecurity risks associated with importing bananas from the Philippines to achieve Australia’s appropriate level of protection (ALOP).

This is a rigorous, technical, science-based process conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Biosecurity Act 2015 and international standards. 

More information is available on our website: agriculture.gov.au/banana-philippines

If you have any questions, please email plantstakeholders@aff.gov.au.