Flooding in north Queensland has disrupted banana supply chains, impacting crop availability and causing price increases. Cairns banana farmer, Martin Buchanan, noted these price hikes should be temporary. "Farmers are back on their properties again and bananas are being sent south," he stated.
"Transport companies have got to play catch up at the moment and they're all working hard, getting there week by week, so it should be back to normal in two or three weeks." The industry is also looking towards a genetically modified banana, nearing approval, which could offer protection against a severe fungal disease. This development is seen as a potential safeguard for future crop stability.
Source: Today