Grower pick of crop at awards
A SOUTH Johnstone banana grower has been recognised for his leadership post-tropical cyclone Yasi and the Panama TR4 disease outbreak.
Former Australian Banana Growers’ Council chairman Doug Phillips, who farms about 16ha south of Tully, was presented the only ABGC Award of Honour at the Australian Banana Industry Congress in Sydney last week.
ABGC chairman Stephen Lowe, who has a 141ha banana plantation along the Tully River, said Mr Phillips was a “staunch advocate” who ensured growers got a fair go.
When TR4 was found on a Tully farm in March 2015, Mr Phillips explained the situation and advised growers what they could do to protect themselves.
“Doug’s strong leadership in the months that followed the initial detection – against a wave of industry uncertainly and fear – was unwavering, to say the least,” Mr Lowe said.
“On top of this, he was heavily involved in successfully negotiating a contract to purchase the infected farm.”
It was the first time TR4 had been found in Queensland, after an outbreak on the Northern Territory’s industry in 1997.
Mr Phillips was on the ABGC board for six years.
The ABGC Awards of Honour are presented every second year at the biennial Banana Industry Congress – the industry’s largest gathering of growers, researchers, innovators, leaders and service providers.