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Queensland Banana Industry and backyard bananas

Sunday, July 24, 2022
by Eliot Rifkin

Australia’s leading banana grower is right here in Queensland, a fourth-generation 75 year family farming operation called Mackay’s.

How important is the banana industry to us ‘banana benders’ here in Queensland?

4ZZZ’s Eliot Rifkin and Toni Pankaluic is Brent Wilson the group agronomy manager at Mackay’s Bananas to chat about all things bananas.

For a deep dive… 

Want to learn more about Australia's banana industry? Brent recommends the following:

The Queensland Government has identified the pests and diseases affecting the banana industry. A notable example in South East Queensland is the Banana bunchy top disease. If you see it, then contact the hotline on 1800 068 371

Need some tips on backyard bananas? Find out how to grow them and that you have the correct requirements. One thing to keep in mind is that bananas don't grow on trees, they're herbs! You can learn about the difference in the terminology of bananas here.

Finally here are some websites with fun facts and general information about all things bananas!


Eliot Rifkin

Eliot Rifkin is a Journalist and Producer on Thursday Brisbane Line

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