Australian banana growers are dealing with the aftermath of severe flooding in north Queensland, which produces nearly 94% of the nation's banana crop. The Australian Banana Growers' Council deputy chair, Stephen Lowe, indicated that while only a small percentage of banana trees have been destroyed, many have waterlogged roots. This condition will result in reduced crop yields, as it takes four to five months for the roots to recover.
Lowe, who cultivates Cavendish bananas on 154 hectares in the Tully River valley, noted that the area experienced rare flash flooding. His farm suffered significant damage, with ten acres completely destroyed and another 40 hectares affected by silt, rendering the produce unmarketable. He reported a decrease in production, processing only 12 one-tonne pallets of fruit compared to the usual 50.
The flooding has impacted distribution, with the Bruce Highway, a key transport route, being cut off. This disruption means distribution centers will lack supply, leading to temporary shortages and potential price hikes. However, Lowe believes these issues will be short-lived, expecting normalcy to return once transport resumes, possibly by the end of the following week.
In the sugar industry, Canegrowers chief executive Dan Galligan noted that the Herbert and Burdekin catchments, major sugar-producing areas, have also been flood-damaged. Despite this, sugar prices are not expected to fluctuate significantly, as a large portion of Australia's sugar is exported, and domestic supply areas were less affected by the floods. Recovery for affected sugar crops could take up to two years.
Galligan highlighted the emotional toll on growers, who faced days of heavy rainfall, power outages, and isolation. "Ten days of rain, 200mm of rain every day – that shakes you up," he said, emphasizing the psychological impact on the farming community.
Source: The Guardian