North Queensland banana growers are being urged to have a say in how millions of dollars in levy funding is spent at a workshop in early March.
The industry’s current strategic plan, which identifies priorities out to 2019, was finalised in 2014, but a review is currently underway by Horticulture Innovation Australia (HIA).
The review is timely, as the industry moves to protect itself following an outbreak of the banana fungus, Panama TR4, on a Tully farm two years ago.
The meeting – the only one being held in region – will be held at the South Johnstone Research Station on 9 March, 9am to 12.30pm.
North Queensland growers will contribute an estimated $33 million in levy funds to research and development and marketing over the next five years, and are being asked to provide input how those funds will be directed in the draft Strategic Plan 2017-2022.
The strategic plan ensures levy investment decisions align with industry priorities and assist in the prioritisation and implementation of research and development and marketing programs.
Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) research and development manager Dr Rosie Godwin said while extensive planning and development had gone into the existing plan, the banana industry had experienced some significant changes over the past two years, including the Queensland detection of Panama TR4 and an even greater focus on water quality.
“The new plan will cover the current state of the industry, expected outcomes for the next five years and beyond, investment priorities in research and marketing, mechanisms to ensure outcomes are achieved with expected timeframes,” Dr Godwin said.
“What we want to know from growers is, are the identified priorities to industry right.
“How hard will it be to achieve them and how long will it take.
“When do we need to start and is there anything else that should be included.
“Growers are urged to attend to provide their priorities so that they can be aligned to levy investment decisions.
“This workshop is about assisting in the prioritisation and implementation of research and development, and marketing programs.”
HIA has employed a consultant to draft the new plan which will build on the current strategic investment plan. Input has already been provided by HIA’s Strategic Investment Advisory Panel.
