In the fertile heart of North Queensland, a third-generation farmer is rewriting the future of Australian agriculture. Gavin Devaney of Innisfail has transformed his family's banana farm into a pioneering model of sustainable business, proving that large-scale production and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.
From Family Legacy to Agricultural Innovation
Gavin Devaney's deep roots in the Innisfail soil trace back to his grandfather, who arrived from Ireland to start a life in sugarcane. The family legacy evolved when Gavin's father purchased the first banana farm in the late 1980s, establishing Bartle Frere Bananas. Gavin himself joined the operation in the early 2000s, embarking on a journey of remarkable growth and innovation.
Under his stewardship, the farm has expanded from a modest 80 acres to an impressive 250-acre operation, which is more than 100 hectares. Today, this expansion allows the farm to produce a staggering more than 250,000 cartons of fresh, homegrown Cavendish bananas every single year. All of this produce is supplied exclusively to Coles supermarkets, a partnership that has been fundamental to the farm's evolution.
Driving Sustainability with the Coles Nurture Fund
A significant catalyst for the farm's green transformation was a $445,000 grant from the Coles Nurture Fund. This substantial investment empowered Gavin to take bold steps towards an ambitious goal: achieving carbon-neutral banana production.
For Gavin, carbon neutrality isn't just a buzzword; it's a holistic philosophy. "It's about taking a holistic view and making sure every part of the farm works together to be as sustainable as possible," he explains. This approach has funded cutting-edge trials and upgrades across the property.
The farm has been fitted with sophisticated sensors that meticulously track soil and water quality in real-time. Furthermore, the fertiliser system was completely upgraded to ensure plants only receive the nutrients they actually need. This precise application drastically reduces harmful run-off into local waterways, protecting the regional ecosystem for future generations.
Embracing Technology for a Safer Environment
One of the most visible changes has been the shift from traditional aerial spraying to the use of advanced drones. This technological leap offers a trifecta of benefits: it's significantly safer, uses far less fuel, and has created new, skilled full-time roles for the farmers operating the equipment.
Every innovation, from the sensors to the drones, contributes to a dual victory: a healthier environment and a more efficient, future-proofed farming operation. Gavin is determined to pass on a thriving business and a preserved landscape to his sons, Quinn and Brady, who are already growing up on the farm.
Chewing Hard: A Work Ethic for the Future
Despite these high-tech advances, Bartle Frere Bananas remains proudly family-run, guided by the work ethic Gavin's grandfather brought from Ireland: "Bite off more than you can chew and chew hard." This ethos perfectly captures the farm's ambitious sustainability journey.
Gavin hopes the farm's story sends a powerful message to Australian consumers. "It shows that farmers care about the land," he says. "When people choose our bananas from Coles, they're choosing local effort, local jobs, and produce grown with care for the environment." His story is a compelling blueprint for how Australian agriculture can sustainably feed the nation for generations to come.
