Australia stands firm on NZ apples

Australia stands firm on NZ apples

http://www.fruitnet.com/content.aspx?cid=6471&rid=2



An interim WTO report on the apple trade dispute has sided with New Zealand, but Australian growers are holding firm

Australian apple and pear growers are still concerned about importing New Zealand apples, despite yesterday's news that the World Trade Organisation (WTO) had sided with New Zealand in their long-running trade dispute.

The Trans-Tasman political newsletter yesterday reported an interim WTO decision had decided Australia's use of strict phytosanitary requirements on New Zealand apple imports was an unacceptable barrier to trade.

But Apple and Pear Australia Limited (APAL) general manager Tony Russell told Radio New Zealand there were still questions about how the bacterial disease fireblight was transmitted.

Mr Russell said the disease could be disastrous for Australia because it would spread quickly in the warm climate, the New Zealand Herald reported.

"It would be quite devastating particularly for pears, which are quite susceptible to fireblight," he said.

"But it would also be a problem in increased costs of management of another disease that we don't want - so why take on more diseases if you can avoid it?"

Although Australian officials have said the interim report is just another step in an ongoing process, New Zealand prime minister John Key said an end to the dispute would be welcomed.

"I haven't seen the report and I have to emphasise it is an interim report, but I am ever hopeful that we will find a resolution to this long-standing problem," Mr Key said.

The WTO's final report on the matter is due to be handed down in June.