Growers slip in banana appeal
FAR Northern banana growers are appealing against Philippine banana imports, saying significant scientific information is missing from Biosecurity Australia's final report.
The Australian Banana Growers Council on Friday lodged its appeal against the report, which recommends Philippine bananas be imported under strict guidelines.
The council alleges that a "significant body of scientific information" about debilitating banana disease black sigatoka was not considered.
The 600-page report, released in early November, cited 21 pests and diseases in the Philippines that were of quarantine concern to Australia. But it concluded the risks could be reduced to an acceptable level.
Australian Banana Growers Council chief executive officer Tony Heidrich said there was virtually no detail in the report about how the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service would ensure exporters complied with quarantine conditions.
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Worried: Banana council CEO Tony Heidrich.
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