APPLE INDUSTRY UNDER REAL THREAT WITH WTO RULING
11-August-2010
Federal Member for Indi, Sophie Mirabella, has raised serious concerns for the local fruit growing industry after the Word Trade Organisation ruled an Australian ban on New Zealand apple imports was in breach of world trade regulations.
“Not only does this decision threaten our local fruit growing industry but it puts at risk Australia’s reputation for clean, green, disease free agriculture,” Mrs Mirabella said.
“As a sovereign nation, Australia has a right to protect our local agricultural industry and food supplies from threats of exotic diseases and pests and if the Government is serious about bio-security then it must fight this decision with every ounce of effort it has.
“I have been in contact with local apple and pear growers on this issue and they hold grave fears for the future of their industry.
“Just last month, the Gillard Government opened our borders to Chinese apple imports and now they face the prospect of being flooded with potentially disease ridden apples from New Zealand.”
Mrs Mirabella also raised concerns about the Gillard Government’s commitment to bio-security and quarantine measures currently in place for other imported products.
“Unfortunately, I have little faith in this city-centric Labor Government’s commitment to bio-security because it has a shocking track record,” she said.
“Earlier this year, the Government tried to lift restrictions on cattle imports, which would have destroyed our international reputation as a supplier of disease free beef. If it wasn’t for the Coalition’s pressure to overturn this decision, mad cow disease could be alive and well in Australia.
““The Government needs to reassure apple and pear growers that no fruit can come into Australia from New Zealand until the appeals process has been completed.
“But I also have real concerns about the Government’s budget cuts to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry which could hamper our ability to prosecute a case at the WTO.
“I will continue to consult with local fruit growers on this matter. Election or no election, the Government has a responsibility to protect our local agricultural industry and maintain integrity in our nation’s bio-security programs,” Mrs Mirabella concluded.