Banana disease insights shared

LAST month’s South American outbreak of Panama TR4 disease has the Colombian Government looking to Far North Queensland for solutions to a potential economic catastrophe.

Banana industry leaders and government officials touched down at farms near Tully to learn about how strict biosecurity measures were successful in containing the Panama disease to just three farms between 2015 and 2018.

Cenibanano Augura researcher Mr Jorge Vargas said that the information presented gave them hope.

“The banana industry in Colombia employs many people, both directly and indirectly. We have been watching very closely what Queensland has done as we are concerned if the disease is confirmed,” Mr Vargas said.

Colombia is one of the biggest banana-producing countries in the world.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said Queensland was recognised internationally for its success in preventing rapid spread of the disease.

“When Panama TR4 was first detected here we looked to the international banana community for their expert advice, and now it’s our turn to return the favour,” Mr Furner said.

Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario’s Jorge Hernan Palacino said the Colombian industry was eager to learn how Queensland has managed Panama.

“We have been working with our growers to build up their on-farm biosecurity and will take these Queensland ideas and adapt them to our farms,” Mr Palacino said.