No plan to stop NZ apple imports
WHILE other states have launched actions to stop imported New Zealand apples from entering them, Queensland will not do the same.
South Australia's Minister for Agriculture, Michael O'Brien, recently spoke out against the imports, saying he hoped the government would put up funding to help quarantine the state from foreign apples.
Mr O'Brien said measures such as fruit dumping bins could be put in place for the imports and they would look at a prohibition on the importation and sale of New Zealand apples in supermarkets and fruit and vegetable stores in the Adelaide Hills - the apple growing area of the state.
But Acting Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies Jan Jarratt said Queensland would not take similar action.
"While the decision relating to the importation of apples from New Zealand is a matter for Biosecurity Australia, free trade is in the interest of Queensland agriculture," she said.
"For example, $38 million worth of our fruits and vegetables are exported to New Zealand alone each year."
Warwick IGA store manager Rob Norris said the supermarket was only stocking Australian apples.
"We do try to source the best quality at the right price," he said.
"And while the supply chain is there, there is no need to look elsewhere."
