It’s over. After more than 90 years of fighting for the right to export to Australia, Kiwi apples will soon be over the ditch.

Yesterday Biosecurity Australia finally signed off on the paperwork, allowing Kiwi apples to be imported, and ending an argument that has raged for generations.

Aussie’s Trade Minister, Craig Emerson, told Australian’s yesterday that it was high time Australia complied with the repeated rulings of the World Trade Organisation, which have always been in favour of access for Kiwi apples.

Four New Zealand packhouses have been approved for export by Australia authorities, and they could begin exporting within days. 

But while apple growers now have a new market, and one that’s close to hand, the new opportunities bring with them a lot of challenges.

Labour agricultural spokesman, Damien O’Connor, says while growers will be ecstatic with Australia opening its doors, the apple industry simply can’t afford for rogue players to ruin it for everyone.

“Look this is great news and obviously the industry has been waiting for a long time for this to happen.

“My concern is that without discipline and guidance into the market we could destroy a huge amount of value in what is potentially the second highest value market in the world.”

Damien O’Connor says quality is paramount.

“And I also think there are still some undisciplined players within the pipfruit industry who will go in there and sell low-quality fruit at whatever price and destroy value we could potentially get from Australia.”