Extension and support
What does extension mean for you?
The Extension Strategy for Panama TR4 provides a framework for the Grower Support (Biosecurity) team to work together with banana growers in Far North Queensland, to strengthen their on-farm biosecurity and make practical improvements to manage risk.
Our Grower Support and Engagement officer can work with you to:
Develop a biosecurity plan for your property
Improve your existing biosecurity measures
Check your property against the Biosecurity BMP
If a suspect plant is identified on your property, resulting in a sample being taken, the Grower Support and Engagement officer can work with you to:
Understand and provide support through the sampling process
Address biosecurity concerns
Provide an understanding of the regulatory requirements
If you’re interested in finding out more, simply contact us or request a farm visit.
ABGC’s surveillance team can also provide resources and connect you with the right people to make change on your farm.
Did you know? Extension is the practice of transferring information, knowledge or skills that can assist individuals, families, communities, organisations or businesses achieve improved economic, social and environmental outcomes and create positive change.
Why we’re embracing it: Extension is about increasing awareness, sharing skills, developing strong relationships and working together in driving effective biosecurity changes. Importantly, it recognises that while farms will be at different stages when it comes to biosecurity measures, no one knows their property better or is more equipped to protect it than growers themselves.
Who to talk to
Extension will be led by the Grower Support and Engagement Officer, Maurice Thompson. Maurice has a wealth of experience and a strong, practical approach to helping growers. Before joining the ABGC, he worked on a range of biosecurity responses including banana freckle, green myrtle virus, browsing ants and Asian honeybee.
Fill out the form below or reach out to Maurice directly: maurice.thompson@abgc.org.au | 0455 515 805
Support for all banana farms in FNQ
We’ll focus on helping you take proactive and practical steps that strengthen on-farm biosecurity. The Grower Support (Biosecurity) Team will aim to:
understand your priorities,
explore and decide on practical actions,
find ways to implement those actions and;
encourage ongoing monitoring to drive continuous improvement over time
Support for properties with Panama TR4
If a property has a confirmed detection of Panama TR4 or becomes a suspect property under the Code, growers must meet certain biosecurity requirements. The Code sets the minimum actions needed to manage Panama TR4, and meeting these helps growers fulfil their General Biosecurity Obligations.
While Biosecurity Queensland is responsible for assessing and monitoring compliance, the Grower Support (Biosecurity) Team will work with growers in helping them understand their obligations and providing assistance to put the right measures in place.