NORTH Queensland banana farmers can certify fruit from fallen plants impacted by Tropical Cyclone Ita under arrangements negotiated by the Queensland government.
In a statement, Agriculture Minister John McVeigh said growers would now have until April 27 to collect bananas under this arrangement and sell interstate.
“We don’t expect national supply to be affected, however it’s important we help those producers who were impacted to recover as quickly as possible," Mr McVeigh said.
Mr McVeigh said the market access arrangements would enable growers to retrieve fruit that was still in a mature green condition.
“Many of these windfall bunches should be suitable for marketing and consumption,” he said.
“Rather than let them go to waste, we are waiving the annual accreditation fee for eligible businesses to start using certification that allows them to sell their fruit based on these circumstances, which they may have not had prior to the cyclone.”
For eligibility, banana growers need to complete the application form for accreditation under the mature green condition of bananas (ICA-16) arrangement and submit this to their local Plant Biosecurity Officer for processing.
The form can be downloaded from by clicking here or by calling 132 523.
To maintain interstate market confidence in produce, random inspections will still need to be carried out on packing sheds and transporters.
Freight subsidies and concessional loans are also available for primary producers impacted by Tropical Cyclone Ita and associated flooding.
Contact QRAA on 1800 623 946 or the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on 132 523.
