This is a final research report from Hort Innovation’s historical archives. Please note that as these reports may date back as far as the 1990s, the content and recommendations within them may be superseded by more recent research.

What was it all about?

Some of Australia’s major bananas growers instigated a study tour to Central America to study quality systems to compete in the markets of Australia and globally. The trip was coordinated by Australian company, Global Fruit Protection with funding jointly provided by the participating growers and Hort Innovation (which was then Horticulture Australia Limited).

Central America proved a range of banana growers, both conventional and organic, providing fruit to America and Europe. These growers were chosen as they were leaders and innovators of Central America production.

Noticeable was the dedicated labour force. The key staff were well trained and worked effectively to produce export quality fruit. All work on the farms were regimented and done in a timely manner with special attention to fruit quality. Banana jobs were in high demand and considered well paying long term professionals. Farms were using protective devises to protect the fruit during the growth period and during harvesting and transport to the paking shed.

Transfer to Australian production had started with growers using the Australian product, “Clipslips”. The difficulty with labour was that it was expensive, at the time equating to over 40 per cent of the cost of production. Australian labours don’t consider the high value of being well trained and professional, although this mindset could be changed by training.