Decision on apple exports to Australia due

Australian biosecurity officials have passed to an expert committee their final risk analysis on importing New Zealand apples, and say a decision is due this year.

An initial 350-page draft of the conditions Australia would set on allowing pipfruit into the country was rewritten after Australian orchardists complained to politicians that it was "too easy" on New Zealand growers.

Australia has banned apples from New Zealand from competing with local fruit in its domestic market for 84 years.