The campaign will focus on the value of bananas as nature's ultimate energy snack - already packed in its skin, ready for easy peeling and eating on the go, with a minimum of fuss.

It also focuses on other benefits of bananas, such as:

• Health – grown by Aussie farmers not in factories, high in carbs for energy and muscle fuel, low GI for sustained energy and mood, high in Vitamin B6 for brain function and mood, no fat or cholesterol for healthy weight, high in potassium for healthy blood pressure and heart.

• Convenience – pre-packed, no mess, portable, perfect on-the-go snack.

In officially opening the New Technologies – Fresh Direction congress yesterday, Governor-General Quentin Bryce AC declared her interest up front by saying: "I am mad about this remarkable fruit – the banana."

Ms Bryce said every morning after her walk through the beautiful grounds of Yarralumla she starts the day with an enormous bowl of banana and other fruits with two spoons of yoghurt.

"Bananas are a vital part of Australian life and one of our most important crops – our largest fruit crop, one of our most valuable industries worth $350 million annually, generating 4500 jobs," Ms Bryce said.

"They give us vitamins and minerals we need – especially potassium, magnesium and folate – they are so good for us and for the economy."

Sessions at Conrad Jupiters on the Gold Coast included packaging, field robotics, corporate farming, carbon trading and agriculture, and scientific sessions covering disease and soil management.