New Zealand apple growers have welcomed their government’s pledge to bring its case against Australia to the World Trade Organisation, but are urging stronger action.

The growers are fighting to regain access to the Australian market in a dispute which stretches back over 85 years.

Phil Alison, spokesman for the NZ growers, said while the governemtn decision is a step in the right direction, the announcement does not fully meet industry expectations.

“The government has only asked for the issue to be inscribed on one of the WTO’s committee agendas. It is not the WTO action we asked for and apple growers are still calling for Australia to be formally taken to the WTO.

“The apple industry is united and will continue its planned protest actions including a march to parliament and the Australian Embassy next Wednesday and consumer led boycotts”

He said the fact the government had made the decision showed the issue was being taken seriously, but more needs to be done.

This includes suspending all discussions on Closer Economic Relations (CER) at both ministerial and official levels.

“We also want the New Zealand government to withdraw their support of Australia as chair and as a member of the Cairns Group,” he said.

“Our battle to gain access has taken 85 years and it has been locked up in committees and process - we’ve run out of patience. The New Zealand Apple Industry needs the issue resolved now.”

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