Australia accused of stalling over apples

The apple market has long been a source of contention between New Zealand and Australian growers.

The New Zealand apple industry is running out of time to export its fruit to Australia and is accusing our transtasman neighbour of using delay tactics.

The 86-year ban on apples entering Australia, relating to fears of the bacterial disease fireblight, was formally lifted earlier this year but Australia put restrictions in place including the necessity for New Zealand orchards to be inspected.

Quarantine staff were due to visit fruitgrowers in Hawkes Bay two weeks ago to clear the produce for export.

However, the inspections have not yet gone ahead because the New Zealand and Australian governments have not yet completed the paperwork.

Pipfruit New Zealand chairman Ian Palmer says it is about time the issue was sorted out because the negotiations have been going on for months. He is blaming Australia for stalling.

"It can be done very quickly but it seems to be being held up by the Australian bureaucracy at the moment and the only conclusion we can draw from that is that it is being politically interfered with".

- NEWSTALK ZB