NEW South Wales banana growers now have their own dedicated industry development officer (IDO).
The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and the banana industry teamed up to jointly fund the new position, taken up by plant pathologist Matt Weinert.
Mr Weinert will be developing and delivering information to growers from key research sources and helping to re-invigorate the NSW banana industry, according to DPI leader horticulture development Myles Parker.
“Most recently he has been working with the mango and avocado industries as a Development Horticulturist with the Queensland Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry in Mareeba in North Queensland,” Mr Parker said.
“Banana quality will be an important priority for Matthew with the aim to improve the packout rate of first grade bananas.
“We want to build the capacity of NSW banana growers to maximise the quality of their fruit and achieve better market results.”
Mr Weinert said he was looking forward to working closely with the NSW banana growers to tackle some impediments in producing longer lines of quality fruit.
“I hope to play an important role across the supply chain including growers, ripeners and wholesalers to ensure packed product meets market specifications,” he said.
“With my background in plant pathology I also plan to work with growers to better manage key pest and disease issues.”
Mr Parker said the $25 million NSW banana industry has a strong and viable future if it can seize its market opportunities.
“The NSW subtropical banana industry has reduced in size in recent decades due growers switching to crops such as blueberries and increased competition from north Queensland fruit.
“NSW banana growers typically produce a small, sweet, lunchbox-sized fruit that is in big demand from consumers when quality is good. They are also close to NSW coastal markets and provide much needed geographic diversity of supply into the markets.”
Mr Parker said the new Development Officer position is part of a team of eight horticulture development officers working with DPI across NSW in horticulture industries including macadamias, blueberries, viticulture and deciduous fruits.
“Like the other development officers, Matthew will help growers improve their profitability and sustainability by working with researchers from DPI, other research and development organisations, Local Land Services, key commodity groups and industry.”
Mr Parker said the funding arrangement involved support from DPI, the national banana levy, Coffs Harbour & District Banana Growers Association and a voluntary contribution from NSW growers.
