Published Friday, 19 January, 2007 at 09:00 AM
Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
DPI&F WARY OF NEW ZEALAND APPLES
The Queensland Government has put the Federal Government “on notice” over any decision to allow imported apples from New Zealand into Australia.
Acting Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries John Mickel said there were real concerns about fireblight a highly contagious, devastating disease endemic in New Zealand and its potential impact on the local apple industry.
“I am seeking an assurance from Canberra that all appropriate levels of protection will be provided to Queensland’s apple growers if New Zealand apples come onto our market,” Mr Mickel said.
“The combination of temperature and humidity conditions in Queensland’s apple growing areas means they are particularly susceptible to fireblight, and only the strictest quarantine measures can ensure that our industry does not have to face the challenge of this disease.
“If there was an outbreak of fireblight, I would expect the Federal Government to take full responsibility for the management and costs of an incursion, including full compensation for producers. ‘’
The gross value of Queensland apples for 2006-07 is estimated at $35 million.
“Fireblight is known as the foot and mouth disease of horticulture,’’ Mr Mickel said.
“Thanks to our excellent biosecurity and quarantine measures we have always managed to keep it out and it would be a dreadful blow to producers if this move to allow imported apples into the country put that at risk.”
Biosecurity Australia issued a final import risk analysis report (IRA) assessing an application from New Zealand to export apples to Australia on November 30.
The final IRA report recommends permitting the importation of apples, subject to certain quarantine risk management conditions.
Stakeholders were given until January 12 to appeal.
Primary Industries and Fisheries contact: David Potter 323 96530
Ministerial contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784.
January 19, 2007
Acting Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries John Mickel said there were real concerns about fireblight a highly contagious, devastating disease endemic in New Zealand and its potential impact on the local apple industry.
“I am seeking an assurance from Canberra that all appropriate levels of protection will be provided to Queensland’s apple growers if New Zealand apples come onto our market,” Mr Mickel said.
“The combination of temperature and humidity conditions in Queensland’s apple growing areas means they are particularly susceptible to fireblight, and only the strictest quarantine measures can ensure that our industry does not have to face the challenge of this disease.
“If there was an outbreak of fireblight, I would expect the Federal Government to take full responsibility for the management and costs of an incursion, including full compensation for producers. ‘’
The gross value of Queensland apples for 2006-07 is estimated at $35 million.
“Fireblight is known as the foot and mouth disease of horticulture,’’ Mr Mickel said.
“Thanks to our excellent biosecurity and quarantine measures we have always managed to keep it out and it would be a dreadful blow to producers if this move to allow imported apples into the country put that at risk.”
Biosecurity Australia issued a final import risk analysis report (IRA) assessing an application from New Zealand to export apples to Australia on November 30.
The final IRA report recommends permitting the importation of apples, subject to certain quarantine risk management conditions.
Stakeholders were given until January 12 to appeal.
Primary Industries and Fisheries contact: David Potter 323 96530
Ministerial contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784.
January 19, 2007