2026 FNQ Banana Roadshow Series Wrap-Up!
New development and extension program hits the ground running with successful roadshow series.
The new five-year National Banana Development and Extension Program, which commenced in May this year, has already hit the ground running, delivering the first events in its Banana Roadshow Series across Far North Queensland.
Held in Atherton, Tully and Innisfail in early August, the roadshows provided growers and industry stakeholders with the opportunity to hear the latest updates on a wide range of research and development initiatives impacting the Australian banana industry.
The program featured presentations on recent research findings covering biological bunch pest control, yellow Sigatoka, Sooty Blotch Flyspeck, Panama disease tropical race 4 (TR4), biosecurity, exotic pests and diseases, reef water quality, nitrogen rate trials, and variety development. Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) board members also provided an industry update.
One of the highlights of the series was the popular ‘Speed Date a Researcher’ session, where participants engaged in small group discussions with researchers. Feedback indicated this format was highly beneficial, allowing growers to ask questions and discuss issues directly with industry experts.
In a new addition to the program, attendees also participated in a one-hour ‘fundamentals’ session. This back-to-basics workshop covered the life cycles and key management principles of parasitic nematodes, yellow Sigatoka and bunch pests. Participants reported finding the session particularly valuable.
Interactive displays were also featured throughout the events, encouraging further discussion and knowledge sharing between researchers and participants.
The roadshows were attended by 185 growers and industry stakeholders across the three locations, with all participants who provided feedback indicating they had learned something new that would benefit their business. Attendees also provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on both the content and format of the events. Nearly 90% of attendees who provided feedback rated the events 7 or higher out of 9!
One banana grower commented, ‘Great format. Short, punchy talks and topics. Very informative, on time and kept the interest of attendees. Thanks for the day.’
Another grower described the roadshow as a ‘great learning experience.’
Industry stakeholders also valued the opportunity to engage directly with researchers and growers, with one participant noting it was a ‘great opportunity to learn more about the issues that matter to the industry and speak to some growers.’
The DPI Banana Extension Team would like to thank all growers and industry stakeholders who participated in the roadshows. Special thanks are extended to DPI banana researchers Jeff Daniells, Richard Piper, Daniel Farrell, Kathy Grice, David East, Alex Lindsay, Dr Tony Pattison and Dr Hazel Gaza for their valuable contributions. Appreciation is also extended to Leon Collins, Tayla Mackay and Andrew Serra (ABGC), Dr Lilia Carvalhais (QAAFI), Dr Anthony James (QUT), and Alicia Buckle (Terrain NRM).
The team would also like to acknowledge the support of the Banana Industry Communications Program team, Amy Spear and Skye Orsmond, for their assistance in promoting the events and capturing images and footage throughout the roadshow series.
View the roadshow highlights video below!
The Banana Roadshow Series is delivered by the National Banana Development and Extension Program (BA25001). This program has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the banana research and development levy, co-investment from the Department of Primary Industries, and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.
