Alternative crops: a case-by-case approach

Panama TR4 presents a serious challenge for the banana industry. Until recently, growers with Panama TR4 on their property were only able to grow bananas under very strict conditions. While the impact of this disease can be devastating, a positive detection is no longer the end of the road The option to grow a different crop opens the door for new opportunities to make productive use of land.

Following the initial request, the Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) worked closely with the growers, government and subject matter experts to understand the risk of farming cane on Panama TR4-affected properties. In this instance, farming cane on does not increase the risk of disease spread any more than the existing background threats like soil and water movement, feral animas, etc. Where risks were identified, tailored mitigation measures were implemented to address those risks.  

Protecting our banana industry will continue to remain the primary consideration when allowing for Alternative Crops. Allowing sugarcane to be grown on Panama TR4-affected land is not a blanket approval. Every property is different with its own specific risk considerations. As such, any application to use land with Panama TR4 for something other than bananas will be assessed on a ‘case-by-case' basis.

This ensures that approvals and any mitigation measures are consistent with the specific risks associated with the property. The same case-by-case approach will continue to apply for future applications as well, whether that be for cane, or something completely different. 

For our banana industry, this is a significant milestone. It opens up an opportunity for future farming and as devastating as Panama TR4 is, it is not the end.  

More on Alternative Crops HERE