Media Release
February 24 2004
Science should be the measure for Australian Access
Many Australian media reports on New Zealand apple access have not been based on sound science.
Pipfruit New Zealand’s Chairman, Phil Alison was disappointed, but not surprised to see commentators using
misinformation on fireblight as the main argument to challenge the possible import of New Zealand apples.
“But this emotive reaction shows a poor understanding of fireblight and a disregard for the WTO decision in late
November.
“Australian growers’ fears about fireblight are totally unfounded.
“The WTO decision confirmed what leading international scientists have known for a long time. Fireblight cannot be
transmitted by fruit. Mature apples are not a vector of the disease.”
“Some of the reactions we have seen over the last few days make little effort to understand the science associated with
fireblight. The science is very clear – mature apples are not a vector for the spread of fireblight,” Mr Alison said.
“It is more likely that Australians will stop playing cricket than it would be for fireblight to enter Australia through
trade in mature apples.”
Mr Alison also sees New Zealand apples as being complimentary trade that should not be considered a threat to Australian
producers.
“New Zealand is recognised internationally as a leading apple producing country. We have a reputation for high quality
and innovation, and are able to offer a suite of new varieties which we are confident will compliment the Australian
production”
“We are only interested in exporting high quality fruit and we are unlikely to export more than 750,000 cartons a year,”
Mr Alison said
“New Zealand has a strong, export focussed, pipfruit industry. We export 65 per cent of our total production, and export
to more than 60 countries. This is despite being as far as possible from the major international markets. We do this
through a successful mix of new varieties, and a commitment to food safety and quality.”
Mr Alison encourages commentators to base their arguments on science, not emotion, as the measure for determining the
risk associated with the import of New Zealand apples.
Ends