Clarification has been added to a suspension on Tasmanian fruit exports to Taiwan announced yesterday.
Originally informed a state-wide ban on shipments was in place, the Tasmanian government and respective industry groups were later advised the ruling only applied to fruit grown within two established control zones.
A 15km control zone has been set up around Spreyton in the state’s northwest, while another has been set around Flinders Island in Bass Strait.
Reports that the ban applied to all fresh produce lines, including vegetables, have also been found to be inaccurate.
A key production hub for fresh carrots lies within the Spreyton control zone, with Taiwan a well-established market for produce from these farms.
“As vegetables are not a host for fruit fly they are not included under this ban,” said Ian Locke, exportfacilitator of the Tasmanian Fruit & Vegetable Export FacilitationGroup.
“Tasmania will continue to send carrots to Taiwan, as we have done successfully for 25 years.”
Locke said there was some “grey area” around soft fruits such as tomatoes and capsicums, which are commonly mistaken for vegetables.
“As it stands, exports of tomatoes and capsicums from within the control area would be prohibited,” he explained. “However, the tomatoes and capsicums grown in this area [Spreyton control zone] are not exported to Taiwan anyway.”
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