The debate over the importing of New Zealand apples into Australia continues.
Western Australia grower, Lucinda Giblett claims that keep NZ apples out is not about the risk of competition but about safe guarding Australia’s pristine growing environment.
Lucinda says that New Zealand has the most serious pests and diseases in horticulture.
But CEO of horticulture New Zealand Peter Silcock says these comments are unfounded.
“Clearly there is a lot of lack of information over there about what is the real situation in terms of pests and diseases, because I think if you ask most horticulturists around the world they will know that fruit fly is actually a very server pest”.
Peter Silcock says that the comments are unjust, considering the amount of money and time spent on keeping out Australia’s pest the Queensland Fruit Fly, commonly described as ‘the foot and mouth disease of horticulture’
"We definitely have got our challenges, but we always refer to fruit fly as the foot and mouth of the horticulture sector and for very good reason.
"Of course there’s been alot of battles with the fruit fly in Australia, especially in the last year or so with numerous outbreaks, inculding in Western Australia So it is hard to understand these comments this grower is making".
New reports emerged this week over Australia’s fears Australia’s apple and pear grower’s incomes will drop by over a third in the next three years, because of imports from China, NZ and the US.
A report commissioned by the Australian Growers Group says the Australian industry will lose $140 million a year, when NZ apples are allowed in next year.
Complaints are rising as Biosecurity Australia finalizes a report which states New Zealand quarantine is adequate to keep out fireblight and apple leaf curling midge.
"While they say that this is not a competition issue, it's hard to believe that when we have had to go through the W.T.O to get the outcome that we have got.
"I think some of these comments just indicate peoples fear of the competition that New Zealand apples are going to give over there."
But in spite of all the Aussie complaints, Peter Silcock doesn’t believe the stirring will affect the start of apple exports next year.
"I dont think that it will have any impact in terms of biosecurity.
"We've been there, we have addressed the problems and now have a realistic ruling, which will allow that trade to continue."
