Banana support programs

Across industry, and the Queensland and Australian governments, there are a number of programs and support tools that help banana growers adopt improved farming practices. The Queensland Government is also continuing to invest in science projects that improve our understanding of the issues facing the Reef and develop tools to support banana growers to undertake the most appropriate management practices to suit their specific conditions.

More information is available at land management for banana farmers.

Best Management Practice program

Since 2015, the over $7.2 million Banana Best Management Practice (BMP) program has continued to support banana growers in Reef catchments. The program is a practical and proven way to improve grower knowledge and water quality outcomes for the Reef.

Under Phase 3, the Queensland Government has committed $2.7 million until 2026 to provide extension services and support for banana growers. This includes at least $1.4 million for the BMP Best Practice Fund (the Fund) which will assist banana growers in the Reef catchment to improve farm management practices and contribute to better water quality running off-farm.

Phase 3 builds on Phase 1 and 2 of the Banana BMP Project which provided extension advice to banana growers about farming practices that have water quality and biosecurity benefits. It also supported growers with guidance on record keeping, for example through developing and implementing the BetterBunch app.

Phase 2 also included an incentive grant program supporting growers to make changes to minimise impacts to water quality. A total of 68 sediment and nutrient management projects received grants totalling nearly $1.2 million with just over $1.6 million in co-investment from growers.

For more information, visit Australian Banana Growers’ Council.

For information on the benefits of being involved, read the recognised programs and acknowledged projects page.

Extension services

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries offers a range of extension services to support banana growers to adopt better business and farming practices.