Imports of New Zealand apples heighten fears in Australian apple industry

Australia has lost an 89-year battle to block imports of New Zealand (NZ) apples, heightening fears for the future of the apple industry, Australia's media reported on Wednesday.

The federal government on Tuesday said it would appeal against a World Trade Organization (WTO) finding that quarantine restrictions on NZ apples were an unjustified breach of global free trade rules.

Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith and Agriculture Minister Tony Burke on Wednesday insisted there were "adequate grounds" for appeal to the WTO appellate body.

"We're not afraid of trade, as a nation, and we're happy to take on the world," Burke told ABC Networks on Wednesday. "But biosecurity status in Australia is worth preserving -- and that is something we will defend in any court."

Growers such as Tony Russell, general manager of Apple and Pear Australia Ltd, who fear NZ apples will carry the devastating fire blight bacteria, said the outlook appeared grim.

New Zealand was in no doubt the 597-page ruling from the Geneva- based WTO had "firmly" cleared the away for exports to Australia. "This is excellent and long-awaited news," said NZ Trade Minister Tim Groser.

"The (WTO) has come to the same conclusion that we did: that Australia's objections to the importation of NZ apples are simply not backed by adequate scientific evidence."

NZ officials have estimated the annual value of their apple exports to Australia would eventually be 21.7 million U.S. dollars.

Australia banned imports of New Zealand apples in the 1920s.

In 2007, Australia decided to allow the imports, subject to strict quarantine conditions, to prevent the spread of the bacterial disease.

New Zealand believed the conditions were too strict and anti- competitive for its growers and took the case to the WTO.

The outcome of the appeal may be determined by the end of this year. Import restrictions will apply pending the appeal. 
(Source:xinhua)