Janet Tyson: Time to enlist people power to end Aussie apple ban

If they aren't already doing so, New Zealand apple growers should be at our international airports, handing out the freshest and crispest of their produce to all passengers departing to Australia.

Whether the apples are eaten en route, or left uneaten on the plane, they will have served several important purposes: a general reminder about the biosecurity requirement not to take fresh fruit into another country; a welcome addition of freshness to the airline meal; and, best of all, a visible reminder of Australia's refusal to import New Zealand apples.

Perhaps that excellent summary of the arguments against the ban, prepared for hand out during the protests of last month, could be printed on tissue paper and wrapped around the gifted apples.

One thing became obvious during the day of protest in Wellington - most Australians had no idea that there was even an issue (and a lot of them were surprised to know that apple growers were a significant political force, having thought the majority of the crop had been pulled out some years ago).

This was the view of a group of Australians from several states, here on a study course, whose lunch hour coincided with the tractor parade. Many of them came back to the afternoon discussion, Pacific Rose apples or remnants thereof in hand, having had some good-natured conversation with the protesting growers.

The afternoon topic, prepared some time before and in Melbourne, was regulatory relationships across the Tasman, including the apple argument. Seizing the moment, the presenter divided the group into Australia, New Zealand, and the World Trade Organisation. There followed a fascinating discussion as some Australians argued vehemently for the New Zealand position while the other side equally passionately defended Australia's stance. The unique problems of managing "a dispute within the family" were considered. And something obvious emerged: New Zealand growers should be taking their case across the Tasman, even if it has to be full of cardboard apples, printed with their price per kg and a sampling of the tempting varieties on offer.

Here in New Zealand, they are preaching to the converted when they highlight injustices of international trade. Over in Australia, people who might make a difference are blissfully unaware that this unique ban threatens a blight on something far more precious than Tasmanian apples. It's a maggot in the heart of Australia's proud claim to be a world leader in, and spokesperson for, free trade.

At last, and thanks to the protests in Wellington, Australians have probably seen some TV coverage of the issue, and some thoughtful articles in the press have taken the big-picture view. If we are justifiably reluctant to take a family quarrel to the world trade equivalent of the Supreme Court, we should feel able to use all the strategies uniquely available within a family. Let's tap into people power and get the facts out to Australian friends and relations who are paying twice the price for a fraction of the selection and quality of apples over there.

* Janet Tyson is president of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists.