Banana farms large and small
Meet Phillip Lansdown
Phillip brings a strong, hands-on understanding of banana farming to his new role as a Field Officer with the Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC).
Phillip Lansdown is looking forward to supporting growers on the ground through field-based work focused on Panama TR4 and broader biosecurity risks.
With around 15 years’ experience working across banana farms of all sizes, Phillip has seen the industry from the inside out. His career has taken him through a range of roles, often moving between farms, but always working closely with day-to-day operations.
“I’ve worked on small farms and large farms, not all in one hit, but always in bananas,” Phillip said.
“I worked pretty much from the ground up and was given plenty of responsibility along the way.”
That responsibility included managing fertigation, monitoring pests and keeping a close eye on overall farm health - skills that now translate naturally into surveillance and biosecurity work.
“It definitely gives you a good head start,” Phillip said. “You’ve got a better idea of what you’re looking for and you understand how the farming world actually operates.”
Like most banana growers and workers, Phillip knows that no two days on a farm are the same. Weather, in particular, was always front of mind.
“Weather is number one on the radar,” he said. “And then it’s working in with others, making sure everything keeps moving.”
On his most recent farm, much of his work focused on fertiliser mixing and application, ensuring plants were properly fed, alongside pest and weed control.
“That could be anything from baiting for rats to just trying to stay on top of weeds,” he explained.
As he steps into his role with ABGC, Phillip is excited about using that experience to help growers protect their farms and improve outcomes.
“One, it’s always good to be outdoors,” he said with a smile. “But two, it’s about helping the farmer grow a better product - a better crop. Biosecurity really starts at ground level and everyone’s got to be on board if we want a sustainable future in this area.”
Phillip is particularly looking forward to connecting growers with the broader support ABGC can offer.
“Definitely,” he said. “Support is a big thing. Everyone prospers if there’s support everywhere.”
For him, the role isn’t just about identifying risks, but also about opening doors. Letting growers know what help is available and how it can make a practical difference on their farms.
Looking ahead, Phillip is eager to get out in the field and to continue learning.
“I’m definitely looking forward to getting amongst it,” he said. “Not only helping with the knowledge I already have but growing my knowledge too - learning from every farmer and every situation.”
For Phillip, joining ABGC is about being part of something bigger: supporting growers, strengthening biosecurity and helping ensure the long-term future of the banana industry he knows well.