Biosecurity Queensland has allowed banana growers to certify cyclone-damaged crops for sale, according to an announcement by Primary Industries Minister Tim Mulherin.

He said Biosecurity Queensland had negotiated market access arrangements which mean growers will now have an additional two week supply of bananas they can sell.

"I have seen for myself the many bunches of mature bananas on the ground following blow down of banana plants - many of these windfall bunches should be suitable for marketing and consumption," he said.

"Rather than let them go to waste, we are waiving the annual accreditation fee for eligible businesses to start using certification that allows them to sell their fruit based on these circumstances, accreditation which they may have not had prior to the cyclone."

Banana farmers will have until Feb. 17 to collect bananas under the arrangement, and need to be in the Cassowary Coast Regional Council or the Hinchinbrook Shire Council to complete the application.

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com