Sharman Stone MP

Minister Emerson attacks fruit growers in the Goulburn Valley

April 15, 2011

Goulburn Valley fruit growers have good reason to be alarmed and horrified by the recent comments by Federal Minister for Trade, Dr Craig Emerson that Australia’s quarantine restriction on New Zealand apples is an ‘example of back door protectionism based on misuse of quarantine concerns.’ 

Dr Sharman Stone, Federal Member for Murray is appalled at these comments from Minister Emerson who clearly has no idea of the potential impact that importing apples from New Zealand could have on the Goulburn Valley economy if the apples carry the fire blight disease into Australia.

“Despite providing substantial scientific evidence outlining the high risk of importing apples from New Zealand to Australia in submissions to the World Trade Organisation, Australia was unsuccessful in their attempt to have the trade restriction upheld.

“Fire blight attack apples as well as pears, and although chemicals can reduce the effect on the apple crop there is less success with the pear crop.

 “If the fire blight disease reaches Australia through the importation of New Zealand apples the Goulburn Valley which produces 80% of Australia’s pears will be decimated,” Sharman Stone said.

“Minister Emerson should immediately withdraw his statement and apologise to the apple and pear industry for even suggesting that the ban on the import of apples from New Zealand is a protectionist measure.” Sharman Stone said.