Banana industry congress 2023 (BA22001)
What was it all about?
The 15th biennial Australian Banana Industry Congress (ABIC) was successfully held in Cairns, Far North Queensland, from 17-19 May, 2023.
ABIC is the Australian banana industry’s premier national event and is convened by the industry’s peak industry body, the Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) every two years.
Following the record-breaking success of the 2021 event, also held in Cairns, Congress 2023 returned to the heart of banana growing country for the three-day event.
As with previous Congresses, the event provided a rare and valuable opportunity for growers to spend a few days away from farm and to reconnect with their peers, as well as supply chain and other industry stakeholders.
With industry continuing to face unprecedented challenges, it also provided a chance to celebrate that despite this, growers continue to grow, pack and deliver one of the nation’s favourite fruits to wholesale markets and retail shelves every day.
Congress 2023 delivered outcomes to the banana industry value chain on the banana industry's research program as well as showcasing other levy-funded research activities.
A dedicated Congress Planning Committee has met regularly since late 2021 to curate a strong line up of speakers and presenters into a comprehensive and thought-provoking two-day program. As with previous Congresses, the program will offer growers, supply chain and many other industry stakeholders greater insight into latest research findings and innovation; a better understanding of Hort Innovation funded R&D and marketing programs for the banana industry; and practical information to improve farm productivity and ensure a robust banana industry.
The 2023 Congress plenary program includes an array of dynamic presenters, including Australian robotics expert Professor Salah Sukkarieh; internationally recognised materials scientist, engineer and inventor revolutionising recycling science, Professor Veena Sahajwalla; rural mental health advocate John Harper; Victorian Farmers Federation president Emma Germano; and business and leadership coach Trevor Farmer.
An exciting new addition to the Congress program in 2023 will be the 3rd Banana Scientific Symposium which will be held the day before Congress (Wednesday, 17 May) and will provide an exciting opportunity for those involved in banana R&D to present their work to peers and industry, with interested growers and other stakeholders welcome to attend.
Congress 2023 will also include a number of valuable social activities, including a Welcome Reception on Wednesday 17 May; a Trade Show Evening on Thursday 18 May; and conclude the following day with the Banana Ball and Awards of Honour. The Awards of Honour will recognize some of the industry finest, with awards presented to both grower and non-grower industry leaders. This will include the Future Farming Award, recognising a grower with outstanding best practice, demonstrating improved farm management which focusses on looking after water quality and the environment, while also having a willingness to share information and their innovations.
This project was a strategic levy investment in the Hort Innovation Banana Fund