Banana prices:
I have sent this letter to the editor of three papers, none of them would publish it.
Is it offensive or are the banana growers a protected species?

Dear Sir/Madam.
Once Paul Keating mentioned that Australia may become a “Banana Republic”, yet many years later, the average Australian cannot afford to buy bananas.
How much longer is the Australian public going to put up with this exorbitant prices for bananas, while the government will not allow any bananas to be imported to ease the shortage?
Australia imports cherries from the USA, grapes from other countries, what is so special about bananas?
As the floods and the cyclone yasi apparently destroyed 75% of the crop, there is still 25% of the crop left and as the price has more than quadrupled, the banana industry must be collecting the same rewards for the 25% of the crop as it was for the total harvest when the price was in the $3-4 range, that is if the rich are prepared to pay $13 plus for a kilo of bananas.
When I recently commented on the Banana Growers website and pointed this out, I received a nasty reply from them, telling me, if I would like to eat diseased bananas, I asked if the Americans and Europeans all eat diseased bananas, I received no reply.
By the way, in those countries the banana price is around $2-3.
When is the Australian public going to wake up and resent being treated like a bunch of sheep?
Yours truly

Reply to my comment on the banana growers website:

The only reason why prices have gone up is the retail chains eg. Coles and Woolworths are finally buying the bananas from the growers at a reasonable price.  They have changed their ways since the Cyclone.  The prices can’t be blamed on the growers, the supermarkets have always used bananas as a “door special” to pull in the customers.   We’ve spent years trying to change this.



The government won’t allow the imported bananas because they are full of diseases.  Do you want to be poisoned when you eat fruit?



The support of other Australians in times of crisis, whether it be cyclone, floods, earthquakes, is always what gets the victims through the tough times.  Why don’t you stop being selfish and go out and volunteer to make someone’s life a bit easier.



Your claim that Queenslanders do not believe in paying for insurance is absolute rubbish.



Get your facts straight before you abuse companies through their website.  Your comments are appalling.  Shame on you.






Kareen Vitiello

Office Manager | Australian Banana Growers’ Council Inc | Unit 3 South Gate East Commercial Centre 250 Sherwood Road ROCKLEA QLD 4106 | PO Box 309 BRISBANE MARKET QLD 4106 | Tel: 07 3278 4786 | Fax: 07 3278 4938 |    
Mob: 0427 987 499 | Email: kareen.vitiello@abgc.org.au | Web: www.abgc.org.au

My reply to Vitiello:

Dear MsVitiello.

Thank you for your rude E-mail.



The government won’t allow the imported bananas because they are full of diseases.  Do you want to be poisoned when you eat fruit?

Are the Europeans and the Canadians eating poisoned bananas.



You state that from now on we will have to get used to paying a lot more for our bananas, because Woolworth and Coles will have to pay a decent price for bananas.

Tell me please, have the banana growers been losing all the time by growing bananas? How long could they go on doing that?

You either have no idea of commercial reality, or think that I and most others do not understand commercial reality.

I did my share of hard-work in life, even done some sugar cane cutting in Sarina, Queensland, and that by hand, so don’t try to lecture me on doing my bit in helping people in crisis.

Yours truly

Still waiting a response from Vitiello

I really don't understand their thinking. Would you rather sell all of your product for $4 a kilo, or sell 2% at $13 a kilo, and throw the rest away? There is no reason that we cannot import bananas, it's protectionism. They can rot on the shelves, like they do, I won't pay $3 for a banana, and it looks like others won't either.

SEAsian bananas taste 100 times better and are way cheaper than the bananas grown here.
In an era when the majority of Australians businesses are exposed to overseas competition there are still lazy inefficient primary producers who have been protected for far to long.
Aussie bananas are bland, tasteless and overpriced, I can never understand how do they produce such a poor product.
Import decent bananas and perhaps our producers will lift their game or grow something they know how to produce.

adelcrow; I don't find Australian bananas tasteless, but I'am not prepared to pay $13 a kilo.
What surprises me, that i have not read one letter to the papers about the high prices of bananas, but the editors of the papers would not publish my letter.
The Australian people should be jumping up and down about this and not just put up with it.
I contacted two Ministers who are responsible for imports and exports and they would not even answer my correspondence.
What about you people try and bring this to the attention of the Australian people, because not many people read this forums postings.

What is surprising on this forum, that people would argue about things that are almost irrelevant, yet hardly anyone is interested in subjects like banana prices which affects us all.

hawil wrote on Jul 24^th, 2011 at 12:22pm:

What is surprising on this forum, that people would argue about things that are almost irrelevant, yet hardly anyone is interested in subjects like banana prices which affects us all.

The topic came up in the lunch room yesterday because someone had a big ripe banana, and we all wondered if it was home grown. Although, I'm pretty sure it is illegal to grow the Cavendish variety in your backyard, or any part of your yard for that matter (in Qld).

She said at $2.50 something, it was better than a chocolate bar. True, but I refuse to feed the banana grower association's monopoly on a fruit that should be within the reaches of all Australians.

Import banana's now!!!!!

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Jul 24^th, 2011 at 1:15pm:

hawil wrote on Jul 24th, 2011 at 12:22pm: What is surprising on this forum, that people would argue about things that are almost irrelevant, yet hardly anyone is interested in subjects like banana prices which affects us all. The topic came up in the lunch room yesterday because someone had a big ripe banana, and we all wondered if it was home grown. Although, I'm pretty sure it is illegal to grow the Cavendish variety in your backyard, or any part of your yard for that matter (in Qld). She said at $2.50 something, it was better than a chocolate bar. True, but I refuse to feed the banana grower association's monopoly on a fruit that should be within the reaches of all Australians. Import banana's now!!!!!

The only problem with that pansi, is by the time they shipped the SE Asian bananas to here, and they passed through quarantine...the 'drought' would be over and the local harvest and production would have started.....and the price will have dropped...

gizmo_2655 wrote on Jul 24^th, 2011 at 1:25pm:

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Jul 24th, 2011 at 1:15pm: hawil wrote on Jul 24th, 2011 at 12:22pm: What is surprising on this forum, that people would argue about things that are almost irrelevant, yet hardly anyone is interested in subjects like banana prices which affects us all. The topic came up in the lunch room yesterday because someone had a big ripe banana, and we all wondered if it was home grown. Although, I'm pretty sure it is illegal to grow the Cavendish variety in your backyard, or any part of your yard for that matter (in Qld). She said at $2.50 something, it was better than a chocolate bar. True, but I refuse to feed the banana grower association's monopoly on a fruit that should be within the reaches of all Australians. Import banana's now!!!!! The only problem with that pansi, is by the time they shipped the SE Asian bananas to here, and they passed through quarantine...the 'drought' would be over and the local harvest and production would have started.....and the price will have dropped...

True, apparently the new season is about to roll, but they could have the import laws adjusted ready for next time there is a shortage.

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Jul 24^th, 2011 at 1:15pm:

hawil wrote on Jul 24th, 2011 at 12:22pm: What is surprising on this forum, that people would argue about things that are almost irrelevant, yet hardly anyone is interested in subjects like banana prices which affects us all. The topic came up in the lunch room yesterday because someone had a big ripe banana, and we all wondered if it was home grown. Although, I'm pretty sure it is illegal to grow the Cavendish variety in your backyard, or any part of your yard for that matter (in Qld). She said at $2.50 something, it was better than a chocolate bar. True, but I refuse to feed the banana grower association's monopoly on a fruit that should be within the reaches of all Australians. Import banana's now!!!!!

You really are fuken clueless aren't you?

The temporary rise in the price of bananas has nothing to do with a monopoly and everything to do with the friggen cyclone we had earlier this year.

And thanks for recommending imported bananas, don't let me see complain next time an industry gets destroyed leaving 1000's of people out of work, because that's what you want in trade for cheap fruit.  >:(

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Jul 24^th, 2011 at 1:38pm:

gizmo_2655 wrote on Jul 24th, 2011 at 1:25pm: Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Jul 24th, 2011 at 1:15pm: hawil wrote on Jul 24th, 2011 at 12:22pm: What is surprising on this forum, that people would argue about things that are almost irrelevant, yet hardly anyone is interested in subjects like banana prices which affects us all. The topic came up in the lunch room yesterday because someone had a big ripe banana, and we all wondered if it was home grown. Although, I'm pretty sure it is illegal to grow the Cavendish variety in your backyard, or any part of your yard for that matter (in Qld). She said at $2.50 something, it was better than a chocolate bar. True, but I refuse to feed the banana grower association's monopoly on a fruit that should be within the reaches of all Australians. Import banana's now!!!!! The only problem with that pansi, is by the time they shipped the SE Asian bananas to here, and they passed through quarantine...the 'drought' would be over and the local harvest and production would have started.....and the price will have dropped... True, apparently the new season is about to roll, but they could have the import laws adjusted ready for next time there is a shortage.

Yes they 'could'....providing we're willing to risk potential diseases damaging our production....

Beef's pretty expensive too....lets import mad cow disease to make it cheaper... ;D ;D

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Jul 24^th, 2011 at 1:15pm:

The topic came up in the lunch room yesterday because someone had a big ripe banana, and we all wondered if it was home grown. Although, I'm pretty sure it is illegal to grow the Cavendish variety in your backyard, or any part of your yard for that matter (in Qld). She said at $2.50 something, it was better than a chocolate bar. True, but I refuse to feed the banana grower association's monopoly on a fruit that should be within the reaches of all Australians. Import banana's now!!!!!

It is. I grow my own Ladyfinger bananas, and they are delicious.  We had a bumper crop this year after the high rainfall.

The argument about disease is an excuse in order to prevent overseas bananas being sold in Australia. It's protectionism. At the same time, I can see the banana growers side. They have done it tough with the cyclones, and if they let overseas bananas into the country, it will kill the local industry.  

muso wrote on Jul 24^th, 2011 at 2:10pm:

The argument about disease is an excuse in order to prevent overseas bananas being sold in Australia. It's protectionism. At the same time, I can see the banana growers side. They have done it tough with the cyclones, and if they let overseas bananas into the country, it will kill the local industry.

If you don't give a sh1t about the livlihoods of thousands of Australians, then fine import diseased asian product, it won't take long before the industry is wiped out.

As was pointed out before, would you be happy to import meat from countries that have BSE (it will def be cheap), or does the personal threat of CJD put you off?

It fuken sh1ts me that people are willing to destroy the lives of others to save a few bucks, but bitch and moan when they're slightly inconvenianced.

muso wrote on Jul 24^th, 2011 at 2:10pm:

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Jul 24th, 2011 at 1:15pm: The topic came up in the lunch room yesterday because someone had a big ripe banana, and we all wondered if it was home grown. Although, I'm pretty sure it is illegal to grow the Cavendish variety in your backyard, or any part of your yard for that matter (in Qld). She said at $2.50 something, it was better than a chocolate bar. True, but I refuse to feed the banana grower association's monopoly on a fruit that should be within the reaches of all Australians. Import banana's now!!!!! It is. I grow my own Ladyfinger bananas, and they are delicious.  We had a bumper crop this year after the high rainfall. The argument about disease is an excuse in order to prevent overseas bananas being sold in Australia. It's protectionism. At the same time, I can see the banana growers side. They have done it tough with the cyclones, and if they let overseas bananas into the country, it will kill the local industry.

And what's 'actually' wrong with protectionism???

Here's an idea
Don't buy Bananna's buy any of the other in season fruits.
Guess what in about 4 months time the Bananna's will be back at the normal price, you won't have paid exhorbident prices and supported other Australian fruit growers.

Dsmithy70 wrote on Jul 24^th, 2011 at 3:19pm:

Here's an idea Don't buy Bananna's buy any of the other in season fruits. Guess what in about 4 months time the Bananna's will be back at the normal price, you won't have paid exhorbident prices and supported other Australian fruit growers.

Hmmm you mean treat bananas like mangoes???

gizmo_2655 wrote on Jul 24^th, 2011 at 5:15pm:

Dsmithy70 wrote on Jul 24th, 2011 at 3:19pm: Here's an idea Don't buy Bananna's buy any of the other in season fruits. Guess what in about 4 months time the Bananna's will be back at the normal price, you won't have paid exhorbident prices and supported other Australian fruit growers. Hmmm you mean treat bananas like mangoes???

Shocking I know but YES!!

<<And what's 'actually' wrong with protectionism??? >>
..........................................................................

I thought it was capitalism and free trade that we were stuck on. Only when it suits apparently.

Since when have bananas been an essential food?

I'd rather know why chillies are over $20/kg. (I'm sure theres a logical reason - I just don't know it)

[color=#0000ff]You really are fuken clueless aren't you?

The temporary rise in the price of bananas has nothing to do with a monopoly and everything to do with the friggen cyclone we had earlier this year.

And thanks for recommending imported bananas, don't let me see complain next time an industry gets destroyed leaving 1000's of people out of work, because that's what you want in trade for cheap fruit.  [/color]

Judging by your rude post, you must be able to afford bananas, or are you one of the growers
I saw today cherries at lower prices than bananas, and I hardly think that they are an Australian product.
As far as the time it takes to bring bananas into Australia; at even half the price of what is the cost of bananas, they could be brought in by air.
In my E=amil to the Banana Growers Association I did not write anything rude, but factual, and received a rude reply in return. When I replied to that E-mail, again not, rude, there was no reply.
The irony is, that Mr.Ludwig will not answer my correspndence.Rudeness seems to be common practice in Queensland.

Here is some correspondence I had with my local MP:
Dear Mr.Such.
I have sent the attached letter to four different editors of Newspapers, yet none would publish it.
Do you find anything in the letter that is that offensive that the letter should not be published, or is this Democracy a la Australia.
I have also contacted two MP,s which are responsible for the imports and exports of goods, yet none of them would reply to me.
Yours truly
W.Hajszan


Dear Sir/Madam.
Once Paul Keating mentioned that Australia may become a “Banana Republic”, yet many years later, the average Australian cannot afford to buy bananas.
How much longer is the Australian public going to put up with this exorbitant prices for bananas, while the government will not allow any bananas to be imported to ease the shortage?
Australia imports cherries from the USA, grapes from other countries, what is so special about bananas?
As the floods and the cyclone yasi apparently destroyed 75% of the crop, there is still 25% of the crop left and as the price has more than quadrupled, the banana industry must be collecting the same rewards for the 25% of the crop as it was for the total harvest when the price was in the $3-4 range, that is if the rich are prepared to pay $13 plus for a kilo of bananas.
When I recently commented on the Banana Growers website and pointed this out, I received a nasty reply from them, telling me, if I would like to eat diseased bananas; I asked if the Americans and Europeans all eat diseased bananas, I received no reply.
By the way, in those countries the banana price is around $2-3.
When is the Australian public going to wake up and resent being treated like a bunch of sheep?

Dear Mr Hawil

Hi.  I am surprised that we didn’t import bananas during the shortage.  I don’t believe that there is any valid reason to stop the importation of bananas at this time.
Regards
Bob Such MP
Member for Fisher
Telephone:  8270 5122

Dear Mr.Such.
Thank you for your response to my E-mail, but unless you are prepared to submit a letter to the editors of the Newspapers and contact Mr.Joe Ludwig, who is responsible for the import of bananas, my sending the E-mail to you was a waste of time, because I have done both, but the letters would not be published and Mr. Ludwig would not answer my E-mail.
Yours truly
W Hawil

Since this E-mail there has been no response.

BigOl64 wrote on Jul 24^th, 2011 at 1:38pm:

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Jul 24th, 2011 at 1:15pm: hawil wrote on Jul 24th, 2011 at 12:22pm: What is surprising on this forum, that people would argue about things that are almost irrelevant, yet hardly anyone is interested in subjects like banana prices which affects us all. The topic came up in the lunch room yesterday because someone had a big ripe banana, and we all wondered if it was home grown. Although, I'm pretty sure it is illegal to grow the Cavendish variety in your backyard, or any part of your yard for that matter (in Qld). She said at $2.50 something, it was better than a chocolate bar. True, but I refuse to feed the banana grower association's monopoly on a fruit that should be within the reaches of all Australians. Import banana's now!!!!! You really are fuken clueless aren't you? The temporary rise in the price of bananas has nothing to do with a monopoly and everything to do with the friggen cyclone we had earlier this year. And thanks for recommending imported bananas, don't let me see complain next time an industry gets destroyed leaving 1000's of people out of work, because that's what you want in trade for cheap fruit.  >:(

BigOl64 wrote on Jul 24^th, 2011 at 1:38pm:

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Jul 24th, 2011 at 1:15pm: hawil wrote on Jul 24th, 2011 at 12:22pm: What is surprising on this forum, that people would argue about things that are almost irrelevant, yet hardly anyone is interested in subjects like banana prices which affects us all. The topic came up in the lunch room yesterday because someone had a big ripe banana, and we all wondered if it was home grown. Although, I'm pretty sure it is illegal to grow the Cavendish variety in your backyard, or any part of your yard for that matter (in Qld). She said at $2.50 something, it was better than a chocolate bar. True, but I refuse to feed the banana grower association's monopoly on a fruit that should be within the reaches of all Australians. Import banana's now!!!!! You really are fuken clueless aren't you? The temporary rise in the price of bananas has nothing to do with a monopoly and everything to do with the friggen cyclone we had earlier this year. And thanks for recommending imported bananas, don't let me see complain next time an industry gets destroyed leaving 1000's of people out of work, because that's what you want in trade for cheap fruit.  >:(

You have been rather quiet since my last post

BigOl64 wrote on Jul 24^th, 2011 at 1:38pm:

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Jul 24th, 2011 at 1:15pm: hawil wrote on Jul 24th, 2011 at 12:22pm: What is surprising on this forum, that people would argue about things that are almost irrelevant, yet hardly anyone is interested in subjects like banana prices which affects us all. The topic came up in the lunch room yesterday because someone had a big ripe banana, and we all wondered if it was home grown. Although, I'm pretty sure it is illegal to grow the Cavendish variety in your backyard, or any part of your yard for that matter (in Qld). She said at $2.50 something, it was better than a chocolate bar. True, but I refuse to feed the banana grower association's monopoly on a fruit that should be within the reaches of all Australians. Import banana's now!!!!! You really are fuken clueless aren't you? The temporary rise in the price of bananas has nothing to do with a monopoly and everything to do with the friggen cyclone we had earlier this year. And thanks for recommending imported bananas, don't let me see complain next time an industry gets destroyed leaving 1000's of people out of work, because that's what you want in trade for cheap fruit.  >:(

BigOl64 wrote on Jul 24^th, 2011 at 1:38pm:

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Jul 24th, 2011 at 1:15pm: hawil wrote on Jul 24th, 2011 at 12:22pm: What is surprising on this forum, that people would argue about things that are almost irrelevant, yet hardly anyone is interested in subjects like banana prices which affects us all. The topic came up in the lunch room yesterday because someone had a big ripe banana, and we all wondered if it was home grown. Although, I'm pretty sure it is illegal to grow the Cavendish variety in your backyard, or any part of your yard for that matter (in Qld). She said at $2.50 something, it was better than a chocolate bar. True, but I refuse to feed the banana grower association's monopoly on a fruit that should be within the reaches of all Australians. Import banana's now!!!!! You really are fuken clueless aren't you? The temporary rise in the price of bananas has nothing to do with a monopoly and everything to do with the friggen cyclone we had earlier this year. And thanks for recommending imported bananas, don't let me see complain next time an industry gets destroyed leaving 1000's of people out of work, because that's what you want in trade for cheap fruit.  >:(

You have been rather quiet since my last post

I really don't get the narrow selfish thinking. Bananas are dear because the crop got wiped out and you want to risk bio-security. Dic)head. Why don't you simply eat pears at 99cents a kilo at ALDI's. Sh*t apples are 2.49 a kilo. Food is cheap you just have to shop for what is in season not what you think you should get when you want it. Bloody 'ME' generation.

It really is a debate on fair trade, it could be about anything. It's not about selfish, it's about fair trade, which leads to fair prices. We can live without pretty well everything if we have to, and of course most people buy seasonal fruit.

Eight leaves and non-perforated bags?????? sounds like feeble excuses to me. The Philippines are one of the biggest exporter of bananas in the world. Have all those other countries imported disease?

What was the excuse for not importing NZ apples?

Philippine bananas eye Australia

Banana growers in the Philippines may pursue a ruling from the WTO to have Australia ease some of its import restrictions

The Philippine banana industry has signalled it may seek a ruling from the World Trade Organisation over Australian import restrictions it claims prohibit access to the country.

Executive director of the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) Stephen Antig said growers could meet most of the sanitary and phytosanitary requirements of Biosecurity Australia, except two.

These are that bananas for export should have eight leaves prior to harvest, and that non-perforated plastic bags should be used when packing the fruit.

“It is quite impossible for growers to comply with the requirements that the banana tree should have eight leaves prior to harvest and that non-perforated bags should be used to pack the product,” he told ph.news.

Maria Emilia Rita Fabregar, also of the PBGEA, told the news source growers used perforated bags to prevent heat build-up, which affects the quality and ripening of the fruit.

She added that Biosecurity Australia needed to be made aware of the climatic difference between Australia and the Philippines.

The requirement on the number of leaves also posed a problem as the standard in the Philippines is for five leaves.

The rumblings from the Philippines will worry the banana industry in Australia, which is still reeling from the effects of Cyclone Yasi that destroyed around 80 per cent of the country's banana crop in February of this year.

The cost of bananas in the country had since sky rocketed to around A$12 per kg.

The New Zealand apple industry recently won a case it lodged with the WTO that claimed Australia’s import regulations for its fruit were not scientifically justified and equated to a non-tariff trade barrier.

http://www.fruitnet.com/content.aspx?cid=10722&rid=2

Why should Banana and Apple growers be protected from competition?
If people want to keep buying bland over priced Aussie fruit they will still be able to  :D

adelcrow wrote on Jul 29^th, 2011 at 3:55pm:

Why should Banana and Apple growers be protected from competition? If people want to keep buying bland over priced Aussie fruit they will still be able to  :D

So are you suggesting that we should import any product soley because it is cheap regards of any possible adverse effect on Australia's bio security, because this has nothing to do with competiton, never has.

So you would be keen to import beef and lamb from britain, even though Australia is BSE & foot and mouth free; it'd be cheaper than our beef and lamb and the poms would love to be able to sell their product and any price.

You can crap on all you like about competition and prices  but until you are willing to eat possibly BSE infected meat you're just another whinging wanker.

adelcrow wrote on Jul 29^th, 2011 at 3:55pm:

Why should Banana and Apple growers be protected from competition? If people want to keep buying bland over priced Aussie fruit they will still be able to  :D

Yes, what makes them any different to orange or potato growers?

I have always said that the market should decide.

If I want to buy fruit from places other than Australia when in the supermarket - then if the demand is there I expect the shop to stock it.

Market capitalism is always the answer - for good or bad.

Competition brings prices down and it forces local consumers to get better in product differentiation.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 29^th, 2011 at 4:19pm:

Market capitalism is always the answer - for good or bad. Competition brings prices down and it forces local consumers to get better in product differentiation.

So if you know that due to importing fruit from a 3rd world country there is a high probability you could wipe out your entire local industry you would recommend it so consumers could pay less?

Sound like a brilliant plan, well thought out and should be implemented immediately.  ;D

This is why I buy Australian regardless of the cost, I know what Im getting and I know Im keeping someone in a job.



BTW that last sentence doesn't make any sense.

BigOl64 wrote on Jul 29^th, 2011 at 4:34pm:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 29th, 2011 at 4:19pm: Market capitalism is always the answer - for good or bad. Competition brings prices down and it forces local consumers to get better in product differentiation. So if you know that due to importing fruit from a 3rd world country there is a high probability you could wipe out your entire local industry you would recommend it so consumers could pay less? Sound like a brilliant plan, well thought out and should be implemented immediately.  ;D This is why I buy Australian regardless of the cost, I know what Im getting and I know Im keeping someone in a job. BTW that last sentence doesn't make any sense.

Porters theory on competition - didn't you do that at school in economics?

Basically intense competition forces suppliers to take two routes -
1) Cost Leadership
2) Product differentiation

If you take cost leadership you have to do something as cheap as possible to get people to buy your item.
You reduce down your OpEx and you get into price wars.

2) Product differentiation means you make your product so signficantly different to the others on the market that you can charge more.
Think Mercedes Benz or BMW. They have a mark up because their product is that much better. Whereas Holden will compete more on price in the small car field etc.

Hence the more competition the better for us the consumer.
On bananas Aussies should not have a protected market. It should be anyone can buy foreign goods.
The Aussie supplier will need to supply cheaper or better quality.

We, the consumer, win all round.

The weather events that caused the banan shortage in the first place were bad enough, but given time the growers will recover.

But you lot want to make it even worse, by removing their ability to recover by importing cheap fruit?

FFS, Ive got young children who love the smacking things, as far as kids with no teeth go, there are few better foods.  But if there's no bananas, there's no bananas - you find a substitute instead of giving australian industry another kick in the teeth.

My little munchkins love a banana.

Here's the thing I pay 6c per banana in the United States.

We came to Australia to see the in laws and they are $14 per kilo.

Fking joke.

Import them you insular idiots.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 29^th, 2011 at 4:47pm:

My little munchkins love a banana. Here's the thing I pay 6c per banana in the United States. We came to Australia to see the in laws and they are $14 per kilo. Fking joke. Import them you insular idiots.

yeah - becasue smacking freak weather events wiped the crop out temporarily, but if you had your way, it'd be wiped out for good.

You seriously can't go without (or pay more) for bananas for 12 months?

... wrote on Jul 29^th, 2011 at 4:38pm:

But you lot want to make it even worse, by removing their ability to recover by importing cheap fruit? .

Removing protectionism I am talking about.

Protected markets are diametrically opposite to global market capitalism.

If Aussie bananas are any good then they will win over on competition won't they?
Whats wrong with asking the producers to compete on a level playing field?
What do we owe Aussie producers? bugger all. Let them compete in our fields like the rest of us do.

What protection do we get in the petroleum industry? None - it's winner take all. So it should be for everyone, everywhere.

I love the free market.

... wrote on Jul 29^th, 2011 at 4:50pm:

You seriously can't go without (or pay more) for bananas for 12 months?

Why should I?

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 29^th, 2011 at 4:38pm:

BigOl64 wrote on Jul 29th, 2011 at 4:34pm: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 29th, 2011 at 4:19pm: Market capitalism is always the answer - for good or bad. Competition brings prices down and it forces local consumers to get better in product differentiation. So if you know that due to importing fruit from a 3rd world country there is a high probability you could wipe out your entire local industry you would recommend it so consumers could pay less? Sound like a brilliant plan, well thought out and should be implemented immediately.  ;D This is why I buy Australian regardless of the cost, I know what Im getting and I know Im keeping someone in a job. BTW that last sentence doesn't make any sense. Porters theory on competition - didn't you do that at school in economics? Basically intense competition forces suppliers to take two routes - 1) Cost Leadership 2) Product differentiation If you take cost leadership you have to do something as cheap as possible to get people to buy your item. You reduce down your OpEx and you get into price wars. 2) Product differentiation means you make your product so signficantly different to the others on the market that you can charge more. Think Mercedes Benz or BMW. They have a mark up because their product is that much better. Whereas Holden will compete more on price in the small car field etc. Hence the more competition the better for us the consumer. On bananas Aussies should not have a protected market. It should be anyone can buy foreign goods. The Aussie supplier will need to supply cheaper or better quality. We, the consumer, win all round.

Then the word you were looking for was supplier not consumer.

Doesn't quite cover importing diseases and wiping out the local indiustry now does it?

The consumer wins when a country has food security, if the local market has been decimated due to imported disease and that country becomes reliance on other countries to feed it citizens its in for a heap of trouble.

Ask any third world country how they're workin out.

Don't confuse competition with biosecurity and try to justify it on making the consumenr happy.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 29^th, 2011 at 4:50pm:

... wrote on Jul 29th, 2011 at 4:50pm: You seriously can't go without (or pay more) for bananas for 12 months? Why should I?

Maybe because cyclones wiped out the crop, and we care more about protecting what is left of australian industry than whether we've got bananas for a while?

The right wing have a conflict when it comes to protectionism.

They tend to cherry pick industries for protection and subsidies.


Interesting that Andrei suddenly believes in the free market..... except for carbon trading.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 29^th, 2011 at 4:50pm:

... wrote on Jul 29th, 2011 at 4:38pm: But you lot want to make it even worse, by removing their ability to recover by importing cheap fruit? . Removing protectionism I am talking about. Protected markets are diametrically opposite to global market capitalism. If Aussie bananas are any good then they will win over on competition won't they?Whats wrong with asking the producers to compete on a level playing field? What do we owe Aussie producers? bugger all. Let them compete in our fields like the rest of us do. What protection do we get in the petroleum industry? None - it's winner take all. So it should be for everyone, everywhere. I love the free market.

Not if a) there are no banans becasue of, oh I don't know, freak weather events and b) there are people like you for whom price is everything.

Seriously, $14 a kilo won't break your bank, but it's the differnce between life and death of an entire industry.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 29^th, 2011 at 4:50pm:

What do we owe Aussie producers? bugger all. Let them compete in our fields like the rest of us do. What protection do we get in the petroleum industry? None - it's winner take all. So it should be for everyone, everywhere. I love the free market.

Fuking stupid analogy. It's like you lose the ability to comprehend anything I have written and keep on crapping on like biosecurity is an alien concept.

If importing oil products had the potential to wipe out your entire oil industry then you would argue that it was probably a bad idea, and don't try and tell me otherwise 'cause you would be fuken lying.  >:(

So in Britain we don't have any local bananas.

All are from the West Indies or South America.

How come we haven't been flooded with disease ridden bananas?

It's called Quality control you know.

You're pandering to sensationalism and it doesn't wash with me.
I couldn't give a flying bugger if my food has been produced inside or outside of Australia, I don't owe Aussie farmers a thing.

I buy on quality and price. If that is from overseas, then fine with me.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 29^th, 2011 at 5:04pm:

So in Britain we don't have any local bananas. All are from the West Indies or South America. How come we haven't been flooded with disease ridden bananas? It's called Quality control you know. You're pandering to sensationalism and it doesn't wash with me. I couldn't give a flying bugger if my food has been produced inside or outside of Australia, I don't owe Aussie farmers a thing. I buy on quality and price. If that is from overseas, then fine with me.

If ya don't have any local banana industry, it's kinda hard for it to be destroyed innit?

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 29^th, 2011 at 5:04pm:

So in Britain we don't have any local bananas. All are from the West Indies or South America. How come we haven't been flooded with disease ridden bananas? It's called Quality control you know. You're pandering to sensationalism and it doesn't wash with me. I couldn't give a flying bugger if my food has been produced inside or outside of Australia, I don't owe Aussie farmers a thing. I buy on quality and price. If that is from overseas, then fine with me.

WTF!

You stated that britain has no banna industry and imports all its fruit from south america and then proudly state that your non existent banna industry has not been affected by diseased bananas.

That's fuken gold.  ;D


Do you have any fuken idea of what Im refering to when I talk about biosecurity or you as clueless as pansi and the rest of these morons?

... wrote on Jul 29^th, 2011 at 5:13pm:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 29th, 2011 at 5:04pm: So in Britain we don't have any local bananas. All are from the West Indies or South America. How come we haven't been flooded with disease ridden bananas? It's called Quality control you know. You're pandering to sensationalism and it doesn't wash with me. I couldn't give a flying bugger if my food has been produced inside or outside of Australia, I don't owe Aussie farmers a thing. I buy on quality and price. If that is from overseas, then fine with me. If ya don't have any local banana industry, it's kinda hard for it to be destroyed innit?

You've never heard of quality control down there then??

So all those Quarantine people who parade around your airports making us dump food like we are entering fking North Korea are not serving any purpose at all?

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 29^th, 2011 at 5:17pm:

... wrote on Jul 29th, 2011 at 5:13pm: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 29th, 2011 at 5:04pm: So in Britain we don't have any local bananas. All are from the West Indies or South America. How come we haven't been flooded with disease ridden bananas? It's called Quality control you know. You're pandering to sensationalism and it doesn't wash with me. I couldn't give a flying bugger if my food has been produced inside or outside of Australia, I don't owe Aussie farmers a thing. I buy on quality and price. If that is from overseas, then fine with me. If ya don't have any local banana industry, it's kinda hard for it to be destroyed innit? You've never heard of quality control down there then?? So all those Quarantine people who parade around your airports making us dump food like we are entering fking North Korea are not serving any purpose at all?

You think they can run a full microbiologial analysis on every single banana?

... wrote on Jul 29^th, 2011 at 5:25pm:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 29th, 2011 at 5:17pm: ... wrote on Jul 29th, 2011 at 5:13pm: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 29th, 2011 at 5:04pm: So in Britain we don't have any local bananas. All are from the West Indies or South America. How come we haven't been flooded with disease ridden bananas? It's called Quality control you know. You're pandering to sensationalism and it doesn't wash with me. I couldn't give a flying bugger if my food has been produced inside or outside of Australia, I don't owe Aussie farmers a thing. I buy on quality and price. If that is from overseas, then fine with me. If ya don't have any local banana industry, it's kinda hard for it to be destroyed innit? You've never heard of quality control down there then?? So all those Quarantine people who parade around your airports making us dump food like we are entering fking North Korea are not serving any purpose at all? You think they can run a full microbiologial analysis on every single banana?

So you'd reject anything at all coming into Australia that could contain pests or disease?

Quarantine is worked on a 90% rule.

You reduce the risk.

Seriously though, entering Australia is a fking joke in regards to the whole quarantine thing. Talk about paranoia.

I was asked to throw my sandwiches away because they had cheese in them. Cheese bought in Sainsburys in London - yeah that'll wipe out the country eh.

I guess remoteness breeds ignorance and fear eh?

"Oooooh look its foreign! No we must only buy Aussie!"

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 29^th, 2011 at 5:32pm:

... wrote on Jul 29th, 2011 at 5:25pm: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 29th, 2011 at 5:17pm: ... wrote on Jul 29th, 2011 at 5:13pm: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 29th, 2011 at 5:04pm: So in Britain we don't have any local bananas. All are from the West Indies or South America. How come we haven't been flooded with disease ridden bananas? It's called Quality control you know. You're pandering to sensationalism and it doesn't wash with me. I couldn't give a flying bugger if my food has been produced inside or outside of Australia, I don't owe Aussie farmers a thing. I buy on quality and price. If that is from overseas, then fine with me. If ya don't have any local banana industry, it's kinda hard for it to be destroyed innit? You've never heard of quality control down there then?? So all those Quarantine people who parade around your airports making us dump food like we are entering fking North Korea are not serving any purpose at all? You think they can run a full microbiologial analysis on every single banana? So you'd reject anything at all coming into Australia that could contain pests or disease? Quarantine is worked on a 90% rule. You reduce the risk. Seriously though, entering Australia is a fking joke in regards to the whole quarantine thing. Talk about paranoia. I was asked to throw my sandwiches away because they had cheese in them. Cheese bought in Sainsburys in London - yeah that'll wipe out the country eh. I guess remoteness breeds ignorance and fear eh? "Oooooh look its foreign! No we must only buy Aussie!"

Yeah, they are paranoid at airports, but let's not pretend it's only australia.  You buy a smacking water bottle, take it through a gate and then have to throw it away in probably every international airport in the world.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 29^th, 2011 at 5:17pm:

... wrote on Jul 29th, 2011 at 5:13pm: Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 29th, 2011 at 5:04pm: So in Britain we don't have any local bananas. All are from the West Indies or South America. How come we haven't been flooded with disease ridden bananas? It's called Quality control you know. You're pandering to sensationalism and it doesn't wash with me. I couldn't give a flying bugger if my food has been produced inside or outside of Australia, I don't owe Aussie farmers a thing. I buy on quality and price. If that is from overseas, then fine with me. If ya don't have any local banana industry, it's kinda hard for it to be destroyed innit? You've never heard of quality control down there then?? So all those Quarantine people who parade around your airports making us dump food like we are entering fking North Korea are not serving any purpose at all?

Mate you're fuken clueless, you've been relegated to pansi status.  ;D

Come back to me when you know something about the subject.

The Philippine banana industry has signalled it may seek a ruling from the World Trade Organisation over Australian import restrictions it claims prohibit access to the country.

Executive director of the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) Stephen Antig said growers could meet most of the sanitary and phytosanitary requirements of Biosecurity Australia, except two.

These are that bananas for export should have eight leaves prior to harvest, and that non-perforated plastic bags should be used when packing the fruit.

“It is quite impossible for growers to comply with the requirements that the banana tree should have eight leaves prior to harvest and that non-perforated bags should be used to pack the product,” he told ph.news.

I think it's protectionism more than disease. No one wants to import diseases from other nations to wipe out our banana industry. I'm just saying if the SE Asian bananas are disease free, the free trade agreement should apply.

ps....bigole - don't get off ya bike, I'll pick up ya pump  :)

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Jul 29^th, 2011 at 6:59pm:

I think it's protectionism more than disease. No one wants to import diseases from other nations to wipe out our banana industry. I'm just saying if the SE Asian bananas are disease free, the free trade agreement should apply.

See that's the thing, you don't think, you just type what ever pops into your head.

'If' the bananas were not diseased, what do you mean if?  So your whole argument has been based on 'if' , imagine what you could have written 'if' you did even a modicum of reseach and didn't have to rely on 'if'.  >:(

How about you support Australian producers because that's the right thing to do, instead of basing your entire worldly opinion on 'if'.

What IF they're not diseased? they are being imported around the world, so perhaps we could remove the "if".

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Jul 29^th, 2011 at 7:38pm:

What IF they're not diseased? they are being imported around the world, so perhaps we could remove the "if".

They are diseased that's why we don't import them, the government isn't making this sh1t up just to annoy you and andre.

They're imported into countries that have NO banana industry to wipe out or already have those diseases and Australia maintains its biosecurity for a reason.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 29^th, 2011 at 4:50pm:

... wrote on Jul 29th, 2011 at 4:38pm: But you lot want to make it even worse, by removing their ability to recover by importing cheap fruit? . Removing protectionism I am talking about. Protected markets are diametrically opposite to global market capitalism. If Aussie bananas are any good then they will win over on competition won't they? Whats wrong with asking the producers to compete on a level playing field? What do we owe Aussie producers? bugger all. Let them compete in our fields like the rest of us do. What protection do we get in the petroleum industry? None - it's winner take all. So it should be for everyone, everywhere. I love the free market.

Yes andre holds britain / EU and the US and pinnicles of the free market and we are just backwater protectionist  fukwits, well here's andre's free market at work.


Agricultural subsidies are distributed in accordance with the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) which is characterised in the press as having a seemingly high cost.

During the early years of the EU’s existence the CAP did represent a significant proportion of budget expenditure, over two-thirds on occasions. Now the CAP costs about EUR 55 billion per year. This represents 40 % of the total EU budget, less than 0.5 % of GDP in the EU.

http://www.ukagriculture.com/farming_today/bg_support_changes.cfm


Eighty percent of European farmers receive a direct payment of 5,000 euros or less, while 2.2% receive a direct payment above 50,000 euros, totaling forty percent of all direct subsidies.In the EU, € 54 billion of subsidies are paid every year.

The average U.S. farmer receives $16,000 in annual subsidies. Two-thirds of farmers receive no direct payments. Of those that do, the average amount amongst the lowest paid eighty percent was $7000 from 1995-2003.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agricultural_policy


Now this is protectionist Australia

A report looking at global farm subsidies shows Australian farmers received $US1.6 billion in government payments last year, but they're the second lowest on the list of developed countries.

The OECD report says payments to Australian farmers increased marginally last year, because of drought assistance and the dairy deregulation package.

Andrew Stoler, from the Institute for International Business Economics at the University of Adelaide, says normal farmer support mechanisms used in Australia, like the fuel diesel rebate, have minimal impact on world trade.

He says an increase in Australian subsidies is still nothing compared to the amount of support given to European Union, Korean and Japanese farmers. "In Australia's case for example the total amount of support to farmers was one point $US6 billion, whereas if you take the Korean situation in 2002 Korean farmers received over $US21 billion, Japanese farmers received over $US56 billion in subsidies and European Union farmers $US113 billion."

http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/stories/s881685.htm

gizmo_2655 wrote on Jul 24^th, 2011 at 2:42pm:

And what's 'actually' wrong with protectionism???

Ask any economist.

The imposition of import duties becomes a never ending spiral. It's a myth that taxing imports can in some way benefit exports, because exports very often rely on imports and the net result is that it just forces up prices. We should be encouraging free trade.

By the way, Australian bananas are excellent compared to the ones you buy in the UK. However, it's a myth that Australian banana plantations are disease free. They have exactly the same diseases that they have everywhere else and they apply sprays to combat them regularly.

muso wrote on Jul 29^th, 2011 at 8:21pm:

gizmo_2655 wrote on Jul 24th, 2011 at 2:42pm: And what's 'actually' wrong with protectionism??? Ask any economist. The imposition of import duties becomes a never ending spiral. It's a myth that taxing imports can in some way benefit exports, because exports very often rely on imports and the net result is that it just forces up prices. We should be encouraging free trade. By the way, Australian bananas are excellent compared to the ones you buy in the UK. However, it's a myth that Australian banana plantations are disease free. They have exactly the same diseases that they have everywhere else and they apply sprays to combat them regularly.

Our bananas are NOT protected by import duties for a start they are protected by biosecurity measures, so there is that.

Care to provide the evidence that busts this 'myth' wide open, any sort of government or reputable web site will do.

I get that these boards aren't 'peer reviewed' and you can get a bit loose with the truth at times, but this is out there as far as lies and bullsh1t goes.  >:(

BigOl64 wrote on Jul 30^th, 2011 at 6:05am:

Our bananas are NOT protected by import duties for a start they are protected by biosecurity measures, so there is that. Care to provide the evidence that busts this 'myth' wide open, any sort of government or reputable web site will do. I get that these boards aren't 'peer reviewed' and you can get a bit loose with the truth at times, but this is out there as far as lies and bullsh1t goes.  >:(

On the first point, I was talking about free trade and replying to gizmo's question.

Anyway, here you go (it doesn't take much searching - Queensland DPI be ok for you?):


Quote:

Below is a list of pests and diseases that affect banana crops in Queensland.

http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/26_16334.htm

You'll find a list of quarantine zones too. As you can see, bunchytop is a disease found in Southern Queensland, not Northern Queensland.  Let's suppose they were able to import bananas into Brisbane but not freight them on to Northern Queensland, that would satisfy any quarantine requirements, but it wouldn't satisfy growers because their real issue is competition.

Here's a page that shows that importation is already permitted in principle from the Phillippines:
http://www.daff.gov.au/ba/ira/final-plant/banana-philippines/fact_sheet_-_biosecurity_policy_determination_for_bananas

As you can see, the diseases of concern are already present in Eastern Australia.

So, to summarise my point, Queensland bananas are not disease free.

Never said Aust bananas were disease free, but import more diseases ain't gonna make it better.


Do you really trust a 3rd world country to get their sh1t together and promise to not send diseased banans to say WA (which you left out of your post) which is free of most of these diseases.

bugger me, it's like nothing matters except screwing whoever you need to so you don't pay a cent more than 3rd world prices.

I personally don't mind paying more for Aussie produce, knowing Im keeping someone employed, but if the rest of you people are keen to bugger them over and make 'em unemployed.

Sooner or later Australia will be one giant $2 shop with massive unemployment; but it'll be a win cause we import everything on the cheap.

Next time you see a business shut down and a few hundred people become unemployed; say to yourself 'I made that happen by demanding cheap overseas product'.

The only one we are keeping employed is the owner of the farm. The workers are virtually all backpackers and workers on 457 visa's. Importation of goods still requires workers. The option to buy Aussie bananas will still be available, just like with most other fruit and veges. If you want to pay more for your produce, go for it.

The majority would want cheaper fruit and veg, so the minority would like to ruin it for the majority once again. I buy local from the petrol station and it's very good and very cheap.

What is the big deal with bananas? If you think they are too expensive, don't buy them. They aren't essential.

It's just a hiccup in the pricing at the moment due to natural disasters. Go without and wait for the prices to come down.

I think you'll find that for most fruit and veg, you are very mistaken if you think imports are much cheaper than local produce. They're not.

BigOl64 wrote on Jul 29^th, 2011 at 7:57pm:

Yes andre holds britain / EU and the US and pinnicles of the free market and we are just backwater protectionist  fukwits, well here's andre's free market at work.

Congratulations, we have reached agreement.

Life_goes_on wrote on Jul 30^th, 2011 at 2:51pm:

What is the big deal with bananas? If you think they are too expensive, don't buy them. They aren't essential. It's just a hiccup in the pricing at the moment due to natural disasters. Go without and wait for the prices to come down. I think you'll find that for most fruit and veg, you are very mistaken if you think imports are much cheaper than local produce. They're not.

It's just a point to debate. It's about protectionism, not so much about bananas as such.

Why should one product/industry be protected and others not.

If we want a free market, lets have it.....a 100% free market.

I don't want a 100% free market. I don't have a problem with protectionism.

Let a 100% free market exist for a while and it doesn't matter where you go - it's the same old place of origin, same old brand names.... same old products.

Life_goes_on wrote on Jul 30^th, 2011 at 4:09pm:

I don't want a 100% free market. I don't have a problem with protectionism. .

The loser in a protectionist world would be little countries who are part of none of the three trading blocs of NAFTA, EU and Asia Pac.

Namely - Australia.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 30^th, 2011 at 3:27pm:

BigOl64 wrote on Jul 29th, 2011 at 7:57pm: Yes andre holds britain / EU and the US and pinnicles of the free market and we are just backwater protectionist  fukwits, well here's andre's free market at work. Congratulations, we have reached agreement.

bugger you're an idiot, ignore 90% of the post to reduce a sacastic comment as a truth.

You live in highly protectionist countries and have deluded yourself into believing otherwise; good one moron.

;D  ;D  ;D  ;D

---

GROCERY shoppers can expect to pay as little as $1 a kilo for bananas this summer as the big supermarket chains predict an oversupply of the fruit on the Australian market.

http://www.news-mail.com.au/story/2011/07/21/banana-prices-to-peel-back-woolies-ceo/


So Ill expect you cheap bastards to keep whinging until they're 5c a kilo or will you just shut the bugger up and be happy.

$14 per kilo right now.

Bargain.

That protectionism sure is working huh???

:)

BigOl64 wrote on Jul 30^th, 2011 at 4:37pm:

GROCERY shoppers can expect to pay as little as $1 a kilo for bananas this summer as the big supermarket chains predict an oversupply of the fruit on the Australian market. http://www.news-mail.com.au/story/2011/07/21/banana-prices-to-peel-back-woolies-ceo/ So Ill expect you cheap bastards to keep whinging until they're 5c a kilo or will you just shut the bugger up and be happy.

I agree, these morons that want to import bananas have no idea about that affect on our local industry. I don't care anyway, I buy my bananas off a local grower from where I live, he's the school bus driver and still sells them for $2 a bunch.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 30^th, 2011 at 4:39pm:

$14 per kilo right now. Bargain. That protectionism sure is working huh??? :)

But they will be $1 a kilo under than same supossed protectionism, so maybe that has bugger all to do with the price since it is a constant; or don't you believe there could be other variables.

I have no idea why it seems to be a problem for you since you don't actually live here and the plummenting US peso is causing you bigger problems buying our stuff that our protectionism.

skippy. wrote on Jul 30^th, 2011 at 4:41pm:

BigOl64 wrote on Jul 30th, 2011 at 4:37pm: GROCERY shoppers can expect to pay as little as $1 a kilo for bananas this summer as the big supermarket chains predict an oversupply of the fruit on the Australian market. http://www.news-mail.com.au/story/2011/07/21/banana-prices-to-peel-back-woolies-ceo/ So Ill expect you cheap bastards to keep whinging until they're 5c a kilo or will you just shut the bugger up and be happy. I agree, these morons that want to import bananas have no idea about that affect on our local industry. I don't care anyway, I buy my bananas off a local grower from where I live, he's the school bus driver and still sells them for $2 a bunch.

Same here skip, I only pay about $2 or $3 a kilo, but morons are morons if they want to pay $14 so be it.

BigOl64 wrote on Jul 30^th, 2011 at 4:44pm:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 30th, 2011 at 4:39pm: $14 per kilo right now. Bargain. That protectionism sure is working huh??? :) But they will be $1 a kilo under than same supossed protectionism, so maybe that has bugger all to do with the price since it is a constant; or don't you believe there could be other variables. I have no idea why it seems to be a problem for you since you don't actually live here and the plummenting US peso is causing you bigger problems buying our stuff that our protectionism.

It's what we know in accounting and finance as the difference between a forecast and an actual.
A forecast can be anything you like it to be.

"Hey yeah bananas will be 2c in 4 years time, I predict it"

Meanwhile in the store the ACTUAL price of bananas for you idiots is $14 per kilo.
People in the US can't believe it, hence my taking of the photo.

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 30^th, 2011 at 4:46pm:

It's what we know in accounting and finance as the difference between a forecast and an actual.

In farming we call it a crop and it's based on previous crop yeilds and you don't have to make sh1t up like you do with dodgy accounting you just walk outside and it right in front of you.  ;D

http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2011/07/30/1226105/170173-us-debt.jpg

BigOl64 wrote on Jul 30^th, 2011 at 6:05am:

muso wrote on Jul 29th, 2011 at 8:21pm: By the way, Australian bananas are excellent compared to the ones you buy in the UK. However, it's a myth that Australian banana plantations are disease free. They have exactly the same diseases that they have everywhere else and they apply sprays to combat them regularly. Care to provide the evidence that busts this 'myth' wide open, any sort of government or reputable web site will do.

I provided you with the government web sites, then :


BigOl64 wrote on Jul 30^th, 2011 at 11:51am:

Never said Aust bananas were disease free, but import more diseases ain't gonna make it better.

You suggested that you didn't believe "the myth" if you read the thread in full.  The only point I was making is that the disease-free myth was just that. I don't see a problem with buying Australia, but if they are going to ban imports, they should be honest about the reasons at least and not hide behind the myth of disease.  If we were importing banana plants (rootstock) then it would be a far greater concern.  Bananas are propagated by suckers, as I'm sure you know.

muso wrote on Jul 31^st, 2011 at 11:05am:

BigOl64 wrote on Jul 30th, 2011 at 6:05am: muso wrote on Jul 29th, 2011 at 8:21pm: By the way, Australian bananas are excellent compared to the ones you buy in the UK. However, it's a myth that Australian banana plantations are disease free. They have exactly the same diseases that they have everywhere else and they apply sprays to combat them regularly. Care to provide the evidence that busts this 'myth' wide open, any sort of government or reputable web site will do. I provided you with the government web sites, then : BigOl64 wrote on Jul 30th, 2011 at 11:51am: Never said Aust bananas were disease free, but import more diseases ain't gonna make it better. You suggested that you didn't believe "the myth" if you read the thread in full.  The only point I was making is that the disease-free myth was just that. I don't see a problem with buying Australia, but if they are going to ban imports, they should be honest about the reasons at least and not hide behind the myth of disease.  If we were importing banana plants (rootstock) then it would be a far greater concern.  Bananas are propagated by suckers, as I'm sure you know.

Yeh that reply went a bit pear shaped.  :)

I meant to say it that the belief that we have the same diseases as the south americans and philipinos and that any inadvertantly imported disease wouldn't matter, is a furphy.


We have enough diseases that we have to deal with and it costs a lot of money to control; a job that may or may not be done by our competitors. I personally don't trust a sh1t-hole country when it says it will implement the biosecurity controls we require; there is no down-side if they don't. I would trust the poms to export meat into this country why would I trust anyone-else.

One dodgy batch gets through our warves and then what? A heart felt appology and one more industry into the dustbin.

I think we have more to worry about sabotage (eg the Bowen tomato crop), although it's more difficult with bananas.  By the way, fusarium wilt is common to bananas and tomatoes for what it's worth.

By the way most third world plantations are carefully controlled by major companies such as Fyffes, which can't risk quality control issues. They typically have less disease than domestic crops.

Thanks for acknowledging the mistake at least. You just went up a peg in terms of respect.

Here's another link worth reading about Cavendish bananas:

http://gawker.com/5823906/the-banana-apocalypse-is-coming

Quote:

...Now the Cavendish variety is succumbing to the same malady, which has decimated banana trees in Asia and Australia. It has yet to spread to South America, where most of the bananas sold in the U.S. are grown, but plant biologists say it's inevitable.

BigOl64 wrote on Jul 30^th, 2011 at 4:44pm:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 30th, 2011 at 4:39pm: $14 per kilo right now. Bargain. That protectionism sure is working huh??? :) But they will be $1 a kilo under than same supossed protectionism, so maybe that has bugger all to do with the price since it is a constant; or don't you believe there could be other variables. I have no idea why it seems to be a problem for you since you don't actually live here and the plummenting US peso is causing you bigger problems buying our stuff that our protectionism.

I started this debate in a civil manner, but you have turned it into a nasty slinging match.
I,am prepared to pay up to $5 a kilo for bananas, but if the producers cannot produce them for that price , they are either inefficient or plain lazy.
As far as disease is concerned,SA, Tasmania and Victoria do not produce any bananas, so would it not have made sense to import some bananas there  to ease the price spike.
Furthermore do the farmers take out any insurance against natural catastrophies; I take insurance on my car,house and health and hope I do not have to use it.
I,am no expert on production cost, I cannot see that a producer can make any returns on his crop if the bananas drop below $2 a kilo.
Currently most orange growers are being hit very hard by dropping prices, due to the glut of oranges.
The government has definitely treated the Australian people very badly by not allowing any bananas being imported, and MP Ludwig, being Minister who controls im-exports does not bother to reply to any correspondence, so I don't know why we pay him $200,000 plus, not ot do his job.

hawil wrote on Jul 31^st, 2011 at 12:14pm:

The government has definitely treated the Australian people very badly by not allowing any bananas being imported, and MP Ludwig, being Minister who controls im-exports does not bother to reply to any correspondence, so I don't know why we pay him $200,000 plus, not ot do his job.

If the bananas meet quarantine requirements then they are allowed to be imported  its misleading to say the are not allowed to be imported.

I personally would not eat imported bananas that have been fumigated no matter how cheap they are.

Read the documents on this list-  www.daff.gov.au/ba/ira/final-plant/banana-philippines

hawil wrote on Jul 31^st, 2011 at 12:14pm:

I,am prepared to pay up to $5 a kilo for bananas, but if the producers cannot produce them for that price , they are either inefficient or plain lazy.

Maybe they don't give you all the important news where you live but the reason you are paying $14 / kg for banans at the moment is not that growers are inefficient or lazy but because 80% of Australia's crop was decimated by Cyclone Yasi. Surely you are aware that this is not the normal price for bananas unless you only started buying in Feb this year.

Also they do take out insurance which is how they can recover their losses and start over, pity that insurance doesn't cover your costs in the banana price hike.

Kicking someone in the guts when they're down is a pretty low act, but one Im seeing more and more of these days.  >:(

BigOl64 wrote on Jul 31^st, 2011 at 12:59pm:

hawil wrote on Jul 31st, 2011 at 12:14pm: I,am prepared to pay up to $5 a kilo for bananas, but if the producers cannot produce them for that price , they are either inefficient or plain lazy. Maybe they don't give you all the important news where you live but the reason you are paying $14 / kg for banans at the moment is not that growers are inefficient or lazy but because 80% of Australia's crop was decimated by Cyclone Yasi. Surely you are aware that this is not the normal price for bananas unless you only started buying in Feb this year. Also they do take out insurance which is how they can recover their losses and start over, pity that insurance doesn't cover your costs in the banana price hike. Kicking someone in the guts when they're down is a pretty low act, but one Im seeing more and more of these days.  >:(

I don't follow entirely your point. As you say 80% of the crop was destroyed, but the lucky ones whose crop was not affected must make a huge profit, the 20% crop is worth the entire 100% crop, because the price is 5 times as much as $2-3 a kilo.
Why doesn't the insurance  pay up, as you state? Then they are abunch of cheats, take the premium and do not pay the loss.
As I stated before I,am prepared to pay up to $5 a kilo, so I do not want to see every producer to be wiped out, because when monopolies are created, the prices go up enormously.
Unfortunately, monopolists like Murdoch control media and the politicians, killing Democracy.

One thing that never ceases to amaze me, is that many people will: willingly-pay big bucks for a non-nutritious and non-perishable bottle of carbonated black syrup-water with attractive advertising printed on its striking red, white and/or blue label (AKA Coke, Pepsi - which is produced by machines in massive quantities); but balk at paying a premium for a fresh health-giving piece of lovingly-nurtured labour-intensive and perishable fruit encased in its naturally soft and delicate skin...

Equitist wrote on Jul 31^st, 2011 at 2:14pm:

One thing that never ceases to amaze me, is that many people will: willingly-pay big bucks for a non-nutritious and non-perishable bottle of carbonated black syrup-water with attractive advertising printed on its striking red, white and/or blue label (AKA Coke, Pepsi - which is produced by machines in massive quantities); but balk at paying a premium for a fresh health-giving piece of lovingly-nurtured labour-intensive and perishable fruit encased in its naturally soft and delicate skin...

I don't drink much of the stuff you mention, but you surely do not expect people to pay $13 a kilo for bananas; the growers would become millionaires in no time.

hawil wrote on Jul 31^st, 2011 at 1:57pm:

BigOl64 wrote on Jul 31st, 2011 at 12:59pm: hawil wrote on Jul 31st, 2011 at 12:14pm: I,am prepared to pay up to $5 a kilo for bananas, but if the producers cannot produce them for that price , they are either inefficient or plain lazy. Maybe they don't give you all the important news where you live but the reason you are paying $14 / kg for banans at the moment is not that growers are inefficient or lazy but because 80% of Australia's crop was decimated by Cyclone Yasi. Surely you are aware that this is not the normal price for bananas unless you only started buying in Feb this year. Also they do take out insurance which is how they can recover their losses and start over, pity that insurance doesn't cover your costs in the banana price hike. Kicking someone in the guts when they're down is a pretty low act, but one Im seeing more and more of these days.  >:( I don't follow entirely your point. As you say 80% of the crop was destroyed, but the lucky ones whose crop was not affected must make a huge profit, the 20% crop is worth the entire 100% crop, because the price is 5 times as much as $2-3 a kilo. Why doesn't the insurance  pay up, as you state? Then they are abunch of cheats, take the premium and do not pay the loss. As I stated before I,am prepared to pay up to $5 a kilo, so I do not want to see every producer to be wiped out, because when monopolies are created, the prices go up enormously. Unfortunately, monopolists like Murdoch control media and the politicians, killing Democracy.

Yeh those lucky ones (farmers) are in SEQ and nth NSW not in nth QLD where 100% of the crop was stuffed and their insurance goes to rebuilding their business not making NSW bananas cheaper for you.

Calling them a bunch of cheats shows just what type of person you are, their lives have been decimated and just because you have to pay more for some-elses fruit you thing it's their fault. On behalf of the banana farmers of NTH QLD I say bugger you.  >:(

Import decent bananas and perhaps our producers will lift their game or grow something they know how to produce.

Jeez...banana prices?
Most of you wouldn't have eaten a banana 2 months prior to their price rise. All of a sudden it's, "Oh, I must have my banana fix".

Take a potassium pill.

We ranked number 1 for the world's most expensive bananas in 2007. Why?




http://rankingamerica.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/banana-costs-xlsx.jpg

Yes, you are paying too much for bananas

Frustrated fruit lovers are driving a blackmarket in backyard bananas. Yes, you read that right. Just as the prohibition days of the 1920s drove US residents into underground gin joints, sky-high banana prices are driving Australian lovers of the golden fruit to seek alternate sources for their daily fix.

In a press release titled ''Consumers urged not to plant backyard bananas'', the Australian Banana Growers' Council warns citizens to think twice before planting a private banana crop lest they contribute to the spread of the world's most devastating banana disease, the banana bunchy top virus.

While acknowledging it is not illegal to plant bananas in one's backyard, the council is keen to assure would-be competitors that prices will be down again before backyard crops are ready to fruit.


The banana lobby holds great sway, representing, as it does, the interests of thousands of growers. Indeed, Australia has one of the most highly regulated and protected banana growing industries in the world.

Growers are protected from foreign competition by tough import restrictions and quarantine laws.

During times of banana plenty, this is great news for consumers, who enjoy some of the best-quality, disease-free fruit in the world.

Free trade unlocks opportunities for countries to produce what they are most efficient at - can produce at lowest cost - boosting living standards for all. Moves to dismantle import tariffs in the 1980s and 1990s, while tough on domestic competitors, helped create the low-inflation world we now enjoy.

Feeling cheated by paying $15 a kilo for bananas? You should be.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/yes-you-are-paying-too-much-for-bananas-20110729-1i4a6.html#ixzz1TkJo2ax7


Amaad....you are missing the point of the debate ie FREE TRADE

In 2006, the two most expensive commodities in Australia were petrol and bananas. This was due to a large, and very sharp increase in banana destruction and theft by an unknown marauder only known as Larry. the only other information on Larry is that he went on a massive banana-killing spree in North Queensland in March 2006.

Large amounts of oil didn't come from Iraq for 3 years or so, and the petrol prices went up, and , because North Korea detonated a super-sub-sonic-not-going-to-do-much-but-still-will-somehow-devastate-America-and-various-other-countries-nuclear-bomb, the price of petrol went higher yet. Explanations are still being asked for, but most people suspect that petrol prices is not the only thing George Bush wants big down under. He does want some credibility as a leader. Despite the hike of Banana prices, the Big Banana in NSW is still completely worthless.

The great banana prices has resulted in creating a new social system in Australia, those with bananas (The Rich Upper-class Stuck-ups), and those without bananas (The Poor Middle-Upper-Slightly-Lower-No-Not-So-Low-Higher-than-that-Class). The Great Bannana Prices has also started off a craze of coconuts, and an increase in extremely uncoordinated raiders, as well as a full-length feature film, The Great Bannana Prices/Crisis.

The Prices/Crisis has also forced the Government to step up and create a new currency, Australian Bananas (symbol B). It is worth $US 3.1337 and is expected to have it's own credit card, debit card, Visa card, cheque card and complimentary spa card by May 2012, provided the US army, with help from the guy with the cuncus form, find Osama Bin Laden. Not many peaople are able to deal with these high costs. But the taliban can. The Taliban can because they mix Allah and nuts and screw the world real good. This adds to the extrodinarally unnessesary number of reports about petrol and bannana prices.

Thank You and Guten Nacht.

http://uncyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/Australian_commodities

BigOl64 wrote on Jul 31^st, 2011 at 2:41pm:

hawil wrote on Jul 31st, 2011 at 1:57pm: BigOl64 wrote on Jul 31st, 2011 at 12:59pm: hawil wrote on Jul 31st, 2011 at 12:14pm: I,am prepared to pay up to $5 a kilo for bananas, but if the producers cannot produce them for that price , they are either inefficient or plain lazy. Maybe they don't give you all the important news where you live but the reason you are paying $14 / kg for banans at the moment is not that growers are inefficient or lazy but because 80% of Australia's crop was decimated by Cyclone Yasi. Surely you are aware that this is not the normal price for bananas unless you only started buying in Feb this year. Also they do take out insurance which is how they can recover their losses and start over, pity that insurance doesn't cover your costs in the banana price hike. Kicking someone in the guts when they're down is a pretty low act, but one Im seeing more and more of these days.  >:( I don't follow entirely your point. As you say 80% of the crop was destroyed, but the lucky ones whose crop was not affected must make a huge profit, the 20% crop is worth the entire 100% crop, because the price is 5 times as much as $2-3 a kilo. Why doesn't the insurance  pay up, as you state? Then they are abunch of cheats, take the premium and do not pay the loss. As I stated before I,am prepared to pay up to $5 a kilo, so I do not want to see every producer to be wiped out, because when monopolies are created, the prices go up enormously. Unfortunately, monopolists like Murdoch control media and the politicians, killing Democracy. Yeh those lucky ones (farmers) are in SEQ and nth NSW not in nth QLD where 100% of the crop was stuffed and their insurance goes to rebuilding their business not making NSW bananas cheaper for you. Calling them a bunch of cheats shows just what type of person you are, their lives have been decimated and just because you have to pay more for some-elses fruit you thing it's their fault. On behalf of the banana farmers of NTH QLD I say bugger you.  >:(

I did not call the banana growers cheats, but Insurance companies if they do not pay up, what the growers paid premiums for.
You really have gone bananas, judging by your posts.

Australian government does nothing about that. While they bombard people with horrific statistics about obese and diabetic children in Australia they do nothing to make affordable healthy food like bananas in their diet. Very good Maybe McDonald food will cure them.

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Jul 29^th, 2011 at 4:16pm:

adelcrow wrote on Jul 29th, 2011 at 3:55pm: Why should Banana and Apple growers be protected from competition? If people want to keep buying bland over priced Aussie fruit they will still be able to  :D Yes, what makes them any different to orange or potato growers?

We are not saying this. We are saying that  at the present, children and other citizens, in any civilized country, have access to cheap bananas as to essential healthy food, except in Australia. As far as fake idiotic "patriots" like you the message is: Go to Big Mack and poison yourself and don't make us to do the same, idiot.

... wrote on Jul 29^th, 2011 at 4:50pm:

Andrei.Hicks wrote on Jul 29th, 2011 at 4:47pm: My little munchkins love a banana. Here's the thing I pay 6c per banana in the United States. We came to Australia to see the in laws and they are $14 per kilo. Fking joke. Import them you insular idiots. yeah - becasue smacking freak weather events wiped the crop out temporarily, but if you had your way, it'd be wiped out for good. You seriously can't go without (or pay more) for bananas for 12 months?

How long does it last temperally? The whole year, don't tell me bull  poo.

Life_goes_on wrote on Jul 30^th, 2011 at 2:51pm:

What is the big deal with bananas? If you think they are too expensive, don't buy them. They aren't essential. It's just a hiccup in the pricing at the moment due to natural disasters. Go without and wait for the prices to come down. I think you'll find that for most fruit and veg, you are very mistaken if you think imports are much cheaper than local produce. They're not.

What about children selfish monkey idiot ?

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Aug 1^st, 2011 at 2:01pm:

Yes, you are paying too much for bananas Frustrated fruit lovers are driving a blackmarket in backyard bananas. Yes, you read that right. Just as the prohibition days of the 1920s drove US residents into underground gin joints, sky-high banana prices are driving Australian lovers of the golden fruit to seek alternate sources for their daily fix. In a press release titled ''Consumers urged not to plant backyard bananas'', the Australian Banana Growers' Council warns citizens to think twice before planting a private banana crop lest they contribute to the spread of the world's most devastating banana disease, the banana bunchy top virus.

Panama disease is the world's most devastating disease in terms of crop losses.  The point about "Bunchy Top" is that the banana plants don't produce marketable bananas or don't produce any bananas, so it's less of a concern when actually importing the fruit. (root stock is a different matter entirely).

Domestic growers generally are not on the ball when it comes to disease eradication, so that's why they pose a greater risk to the spread of disease.  

muso wrote on Aug 2^nd, 2011 at 2:01pm:

Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Aug 1st, 2011 at 2:01pm: Yes, you are paying too much for bananas Frustrated fruit lovers are driving a blackmarket in backyard bananas. Yes, you read that right. Just as the prohibition days of the 1920s drove US residents into underground gin joints, sky-high banana prices are driving Australian lovers of the golden fruit to seek alternate sources for their daily fix. In a press release titled ''Consumers urged not to plant backyard bananas'', the Australian Banana Growers' Council warns citizens to think twice before planting a private banana crop lest they contribute to the spread of the world's most devastating banana disease, the banana bunchy top virus. Panama disease is the world's most devastating disease in terms of crop losses.  The point about "Bunchy Top" is that the banana plants don't produce marketable bananas or don't produce any bananas, so it's less of a concern when actually importing the fruit. (root stock is a different matter entirely). Domestic growers generally are not on the ball when it comes to disease eradication, so that's why they pose a greater risk to the spread of disease.

This is B u ll  S h i t coruption crap.
The whole world imports bananas without any problems for 50 years.

athos wrote on Aug 2^nd, 2011 at 2:10pm:

muso wrote on Aug 2nd, 2011 at 2:01pm: Ex Dame Pansi wrote on Aug 1st, 2011 at 2:01pm: Yes, you are paying too much for bananas Frustrated fruit lovers are driving a blackmarket in backyard bananas. Yes, you read that right. Just as the prohibition days of the 1920s drove US residents into underground gin joints, sky-high banana prices are driving Australian lovers of the golden fruit to seek alternate sources for their daily fix. In a press release titled ''Consumers urged not to plant backyard bananas'', the Australian Banana Growers' Council warns citizens to think twice before planting a private banana crop lest they contribute to the spread of the world's most devastating banana disease, the banana bunchy top virus. Panama disease is the world's most devastating disease in terms of crop losses.  The point about "Bunchy Top" is that the banana plants don't produce marketable bananas or don't produce any bananas, so it's less of a concern when actually importing the fruit. (root stock is a different matter entirely). Domestic growers generally are not on the ball when it comes to disease eradication, so that's why they pose a greater risk to the spread of disease.   This is B u ll  S h i t coruption crap. The whole world imports bananas without any problems for 50 years.

Certainly the UK banana crop has never been affected in those 50 years.  ;D

athos wrote on Aug 2^nd, 2011 at 1:50pm:

Life_goes_on wrote on Jul 30th, 2011 at 2:51pm: What is the big deal with bananas? If you think they are too expensive, don't buy them. They aren't essential. It's just a hiccup in the pricing at the moment due to natural disasters. Go without and wait for the prices to come down. I think you'll find that for most fruit and veg, you are very mistaken if you think imports are much cheaper than local produce. They're not. What about children selfish monkey idiot ?

what about children?

... wrote on Aug 2^nd, 2011 at 2:15pm:

what about children?

They're too expensive too.  ;D

... wrote on Aug 2^nd, 2011 at 2:15pm:

athos wrote on Aug 2nd, 2011 at 1:50pm: Life_goes_on wrote on Jul 30th, 2011 at 2:51pm: What is the big deal with bananas? If you think they are too expensive, don't buy them. They aren't essential. It's just a hiccup in the pricing at the moment due to natural disasters. Go without and wait for the prices to come down. I think you'll find that for most fruit and veg, you are very mistaken if you think imports are much cheaper than local produce. They're not. What about children selfish monkey idiot ? what about children?

Australian government does nothing about that. While they bombard people with horrific statistics about obese and diabetic children in Australia they do nothing to make affordable healthy food like bananas in their diet. Very good Maybe McDonald food will cure them.

I bought four bananas (for the first time in, I think, three months) on saturday.  $10.99 a kilo.  They weren't big but then, size isn't everything.....

Oh yes, and I found this parked at the back of the fruit shop:

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr77/franspiccys/Car%20photos/Photo001.jpg

Well this is where they're at :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awRDEsesQLE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAtlYnIAeDE&feature=related

I must admit that I weakened a bit yesterday. I bought some teenie weenie bananas for $7.99/kg 'cause it seemed like a bargain, and 'cause I miss my banana smoothies.

I wonder if I can use the skins for anything?

Amadd wrote on Aug 9^th, 2011 at 8:35am:

I must admit that I weakened a bit yesterday. I bought some teenie weenie bananas for $7.99/kg 'cause it seemed like a bargain, and 'cause I miss my banana smoothies. I wonder if I can use the skins for anything?

You sure can. You look for a very old, very wealthy woman with one foot in the grave and the other foot on your banana peel.


Or you can take one to your local shopping centre and have an 'accident'.....automatic lawsuit.

hawil wrote on Jul 9^th, 2011 at 8:03pm:

adelcrow; I don't find Australian bananas tasteless, but I'am not prepared to pay $13 a kilo. What surprises me, that i have not read one letter to the papers about the high prices of bananas, but the editors of the papers would not publish my letter. The Australian people should be jumping up and down about this and not just put up with it. I contacted two Ministers who are responsible for imports and exports and they would not even answer my correspondence. What about you people try and bring this to the attention of the Australian people, because not many people read this forums postings.

Yes the whole Europe has been poisoned with imported bananas for 50 years.
This also tells you something about "democracy" where children can't afford bananas and citizens can not be heard.
At the same time Big Mac, Hungry Jack junk food and diabetes are flourishing among overweight "healthy" young Aussies.

If it is not corruption of the sick society, tell me what it is.

$5.99 a kilo is what i paid today.

Baronvonrort wrote on Sep 9^th, 2011 at 7:26pm:

$5.99 a kilo is what i paid today.

Where did you pay that; at my local stores the price is still $9.99 a kilo.
We have been robbed for long enough. SA,Tasmania do not grow bananas commercially, therefore if this 2 States would have been allowed to import some bananas this daylight robbery would not have occured.

At least you can buy bananas.

My grandparents can remember what it was like during WWII when there was more chance of seeing a dodo in Britain than there was of seeing a banana.

All though, even more terrifylingly, they can also remember seeing the night sky glowing orange as they looked out of the window and were told by their parents that it was Manchester burning and my grandfather can remember running to an Anderson shelter in his backyard whilst watching a Spitfire chasing a Messerschmitt overhead.

Why are we arguing about petty cash? It's not as if most people eat bananas every single day, yet they are prepared to pay (what is it now?) about $6 for a Big Mac meal, when they could have got 500grams of bananas for that price.