Australia will allow New Zealand apples into the country under minimal restrictions. Biosecurity Australia has released revised protocols to allow the apple imports after losing a World Trade Organisation case last year.
Chairman of Apple and Pear Australia, Darral Ashton, says Kiwi growers only have to adhere to normal orchard practice to bring fruit into Australia. "I reckon if we went to Biosecurity (Australia's) office we would see a big white flag out the front of the door and a great big sign saying we surrender," he said.
"Basically that is what happened. "After all the effort Australia put into working around the WTO on behalf of our industry, Biosecurity Australia has thrown their hands in the air and accepted all of New Zealand's requirements, which mean there are absolutely no protocols for fruit to come from New Zealand into Australia."