Biosecurity Queensland has negotiated ongoing market access arrangements that allow Queensland banana growers to certify fruit harvested from fallen plants for up to two weeks after a tropical cyclone.

General Manager Plant Biosecurity and Chief Plant Health Manager Michael Reid said growers would have an additional two-week supply of bananas, which they could sell destined for interstate market access following Cyclone Jasper.

Mr Reid said many benefits would come from this arrangement. 

"Rather than letting fruit go to waste, many of these windfall bunches should be suitable for marketing and consumption," he said.

"This measure will assist in the long-term economic recovery of these growers."

"Australian consumers will also benefit as there will be an increased supply in the marketplace, which should also assist in keeping banana prices down."

Accredited businesses do not need to do anything to be eligible for these arrangements. The Department has amended the ICA operational procedure Hard Green Bananas [ICA-06], which is being provided to accredited businesses by their local Plant Biosecurity Officer.

Random inspections may still need to be carried out on packing sheds and transporters to maintain interstate market confidence in our produce.

Mr Reid said that as 80 per cent of Australia's bananas come from far north Queensland, it was essential to maintain our high standards despite the setbacks experienced at present.

Queensland maintains part of the state area freedom certification for TR4. Any areas infested with that disease must be certified under Inspection of Bananas for Freedom of Soil and Plant Material [ICA-67] to mitigate any soil and other plant material risks for Panama TR4.