Banana protocol continues to elude infected farms

Discovered at:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-04-22/interim-arrangement-in-place-but-stil…

Sites:

IBIS PH

Publish date:

Wed 2015-Apr-22

Author:

Charlie McKillop

Channel:

Industry

Text (summary):

Updated April 22, 2015 17:11:49

Authorities have been criticised over delays in allowing far north Queensland banana growers stricken with a deadly soil disease to begin harvesting and selling their fruit.

Biosecurity Queensland says it has paved the way for that to happen, and is assisting the two farms locked down with Panama Tropical Race Four (TR4) to meet strict conditions to get their bananas to market.

It has been seven weeks since the first farm found with Panama disease was quarantined, followed by another positive test at Mareeba a fortnight ago.

Audio: The LNP’s Deb Frecklington says locked down banana growers have waited long enough for a protocol (ABC Rural)

ABC Rural understands a Mareeba grower has submitted a 50-page biosecurity management plan, but he is yet to get the green light to start packing bananas.

Both Biosecurity Queensland and Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne were unavailable to be interviewed. However, in a statement, they said an industry-wide protocol was expected to be completed this week.

Original language:

English

Original title:

Banana protocol continues to elude infected farms

Original text (summary):

Updated April 22, 2015 17:11:49

Authorities have been criticised over delays in allowing far north Queensland banana growers stricken with a deadly soil disease to begin harvesting and selling their fruit.

Biosecurity Queensland says it has paved the way for that to happen, and is assisting the two farms locked down with Panama Tropical Race Four (TR4) to meet strict conditions to get their bananas to market.

It has been seven weeks since the first farm found with Panama disease was quarantined, followed by another positive test at Mareeba a fortnight ago.

Audio: The LNP’s Deb Frecklington says locked down banana growers have waited long enough for a protocol (ABC Rural)

ABC Rural understands a Mareeba grower has submitted a 50-page biosecurity management plan, but he is yet to get the green light to start packing bananas.

Both Biosecurity Queensland and Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne were unavailable to be interviewed. However, in a statement, they said an industry-wide protocol was expected to be completed this week.

Issue(s) that this article relates to, if applicable.

Status:

Promoted