The NT was officially declared free of ‘banana freckle’(Phyllosticta cavendishii) earlier this month. Department of Primary Industry and Resources executive director of biosecurity and animal welfare, Sarah Corcoran, praised the community and industry for this achievement.
The road to recovery for bananas in the NT has been progressing well after the first detections back in 2013, mainly following the lifting of the internal movement regulations. This has allowed commercial growers to replant, nurseries to sell plants without a permit and has allowed Territorians to return to growing the popular fruit in their backyards.
According to goodfruitandvegetables.com.au¸ Australia’s banana industry is worth $600 million, and reaching this milestone is a great achievement. Banana growers across the country funded half of the costs of the National Banana Freckle Eradication Response Program through a levy, and also contributed technical expertise and knowledge.
