Quarantine report opens door for Filipino banana imports

Australia is a step closer to allowing the importation of bananas from the Philippines.

 

Biosecurity Australia has released its final import risk assessment for Filipino Cavendish bananas.

 

It recommends that fruit can enter Australia if the Philippines meets risk management measures for seven pests and diseases.

 

North Queensland banana farmer Patrick Leahy says the imports could come in below his cost of production.

"If they were ever able to meet the criteria, which I don't think they will be, what will happen is they will come in and they will cut the guts out of the price and they will put bananas into Australia at below cost of production to try and drive myself and other growers out of the industry."

 

Growers and other industry representatives have a month to respond.