It’s been almost a decade since the first case of Panama disease tropical race 4 (Panama TR4) was detected in Far North Queensland, and still this incurable and insidious disease poses a serious threat to our valuable banana industry.
At least eight cases of Panama TR4 have been confirmed on banana farms in the Far North since the soil-borne fungal disease was confirmed near Tully in 2015.
We know Panama TR4 is easily spread through people, vehicles, machinery and animals and can survive in soil for decades, destroying banana plantations and jeopardising the livelihoods of growers.
When it comes to Panama TR4, don’t slip on banana biosecurity. Make strict biosecurity measures a priority for your farm now to save your operation from the devastating impacts of this disease later.
QRIDA’s Sustainability Loans can help Queensland banana growers improve the biosecurity of their farm through a range of measures including purchasing or upgrading washdown facilities, erecting exclusion fencing or installing decontamination stations.
Our concessional Sustainability Loans can also help banana growers improve the resilience of their farm by diversifying into new agricultural markets, expanding their operation, preparing for disasters and more.
If you are interested in improving the biosecurity or sustainability of your banana farm, please visit qrida.qld.gov.au to find out more information about our financial assistance.
