Growers in Queensland have raised concerns about the potential biosecurity risks posed by the proposed importation of foreign fruits, warning that domestic industries could face severe challenges if imports are allowed to proceed. The concerns come as six fruit varieties—including bananas from the Philippines, guava from Taiwan, kiwifruit from China, stone fruit from Japan, and pineapples from India and Indonesia—are undergoing Biosecurity Import Risk Analysis under Australia’s free trade agreements.

William Oakes, a fourth-generation pineapple grower producing approximately 1.2 million pineapples annually, expressed apprehension about the impact of imports on both biosecurity and profitability. He noted that rising costs have already put pressure on growers and added that a serious pest incursion could devastate the industry. “We’ve got a competitive domestic market that is perfectly sustainable and capable of supplying Australia’s needs,” Oakes said. He called for strict conditions on imports to safeguard biosecurity and protect farmers’ livelihoods.

Banana grower Paul Inderbitzin also highlighted the “extreme” risk of disease introduction, questioning the logic of exposing the industry to such threats for limited economic benefit. “We don’t have the capacity to execute any responses to incursions incredibly well,” he said, urging authorities to prevent invasive pests from entering rather than relying on reactive measures. Inderbitzin emphasized that avoiding biosecurity risks is the most cost-effective strategy for preserving the domestic industry.

The concerns come against the backdrop of a recent biosecurity incident involving a shipment of Vietnamese pomelos, which was halted due to pest detections. The federal agriculture department has reportedly not set a timeline for decisions on these import applications, and government officials have stated that imports would be immediately suspended if a biosecurity breach were detected.

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins affirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Australian produce and biosecurity standards. “The Albanese government will never compromise on biosecurity,” Collins said, while also acknowledging the benefits of Australia’s two-way trade for producers in Queensland.

Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers chief executive Scott Kompo-Harms warned of broader implications if the country’s food system becomes increasingly reliant on imports. He described such a shift as damaging to national security, food security, and consumer interests over the long term.

At present, pineapple and banana growers remain wary of potential market disruptions and biosecurity threats that could arise from foreign fruit imports, calling for stringent safeguards to ensure the continuity and resilience of Australia’s domestic horticultural sector.