Potatoes New Zealand
MEDIA RELEASE
6 July 2012
Potatoes NZ welcomes step towards fresh potato exports for processing to Australia
Potatoes New Zealand has welcomed an Australian Government draft report which is expected to open the door to the export
of fresh potatoes for processing from New Zealand to Australia.
The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) draft report proposes that the importation of
fresh potatoes for processing into Australia from New Zealand be permitted subject to import conditions.
Potatoes New Zealand Chairman Stuart Wright said that the news was very encouraging for the New Zealand potato industry
and it was hoped the Australian market could be open to New Zealand for the 2012-13 season.
“Potatoes New Zealand welcomes the release by the Australia Government of the draft import conditions for fresh potatoes
for processing from New Zealand,” said Mr Wright.
“We are pleased that the draft conditions are consistent with other South Pacific country import requirements and
reflect the low risk posed by fresh potatoes for processing.”
Australia currently prohibits the import of fresh potatoes for human consumption and for processing from all countries.
Prior to 1988, Australia permitted the import of potatoes for processing from New Zealand.
Potatoes New Zealand initiated the request for access in 2006 and has advocated that fresh potatoes imported into
Australia for processing into potato crisps and French fries pose negligible biosecurity risk as a result of the
processing procedure.
New Zealand’s commercial potato industry is worth $400m, with exports worth $100m. Gaining access to new markets is an
important component of the potato industry drive to be a $1 billion dollar industry by 2020.
DAFF will consider all submissions on the draft review of import conditions by 3 September 2012 before finalising the
import conditions for fresh potatoes for processing from New Zealand.
ENDS
Report background:
If you would like to read the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) draft report for the
review of import conditions for fresh potatoes for processing from New Zealand please follow the link to the DAFF
website: http://www.daff.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/2146534/import_conditions-reveiw.pdf
If you would like to learn more about Potatoes New Zealand please visit www.nzpotatoes.co.nz .