The volume of New Zealand apples exported to Australia under a new import protocol has been limited due to stringent inspections by Australian officials.
According to a report by Radio New Zealand, packers and exporters in the country said inspections for pests and diseases are tougher than those applied other export markets and the additional cost of the inspection process has cut into profit margins. As a result exports have been limited to just a few hundred cartons since access was granted earlier in the year.
Pipfruit New Zealand chair Ian Palmer told Radio New Zealand the organisation was monitoring the inspection process but with the protocol still a contentious issue across the Tasman people should not be surprised Australian inspectors were taking a tough line.
Mr Palmer added that Pipfruit New Zealand could take the issue up with the country’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to discuss ways to improve the current situation.
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