Enhancing pest surveillance, grower engagement and banana biosecurity resilience (BA24003)

Project start date: 17/03/2025 

Project completion date: 6/05/2028 

Summary:  

This project is aimed at strengthening the banana industry's ability to manage pests and diseases. Building on the success of its predecessor (BA21003), this project focuses on four core objectives: improving disease management, deepening grower education, boosting industry resilience, and expanding surveillance strategies. It targets banana growers and stakeholders across Queensland and northern New South Wales regions that represent over 96% of the national industry. 

The project is designed to improve containment of Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV), enhance biosecurity awareness, and prepare the industry for future disease threats. Through activities like farm visits, data analysis, workshops, and public engagement, it will deliver practical tools such as surveillance protocols, educational resources, and pest management strategies. Ultimately, this project will empower growers and stakeholders with the knowledge and systems needed to protect the industry’s sustainability and biosecurity into the future.