Banana import ban 'a political tool'

Banana import ban 'a political tool' :

"Maria Albarece said Canberra's refusal to ease the shortage by lifting the import ban was an indication it had caved in to pressure from the banana growers' lobby.

The price of bananas has skyrocketed to $15 a kilogram since March, when Cyclone Larry wiped out most of north Queensland's crop."

Yes, quarantine is a crucial issue in this country but we import other fruit and vegetables...I have seen them!! This is a perfect example of how a short term trade agreement could ease our pain. It is going to take a little while for our own banana crops to get back into business. Australia runs on bananas, kiwi fruit, oranges and apples, but bananas are right up there on the list. We have been talking about it at work and it's no wonder everyone is getting tired and grumpy...we need the nutritional input of bananas. They have become a luxury item but EVERYONE eats them. We can't live without bananas. We can't think without them. We are going bananas without bananas. This is a classic time for our fruit inspectors to okay some suitable fruit sourced elsewhere ..and quick. For goodness sake, so us all a favour. It won't threaten our farmers, they don't have many to sell!! Just think of those poor little children going to school without their bananas in their lunch box.