Hartsuyker calls on Government to Protect Local Kiwifruit Growers

November 10, 2010

The Gillard Labor Government should immediately suspend kiwifruit imports to ensure local growers are not exposed to the disease outbreak recently discovered in New Zealand, Luke Hartsuyker, the Nationals Federal Member for Cowper, said today.

“New Zealand authorities have just announced that the disease known as PSA has been detected in kiwifruit vines on two separate North Island farms. If allowed to enter Australia, this disease could devastate the local kiwifruit sector,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

“The Coffs Coast has a developing kiwifruit industry, and I have been contacted by local growers concerned about the dangers posed by the PSA disease.

“Biosecurity Australia has announced a review of import conditions following the New Zealand outbreak, but imports will still be permitted while the review is taking place.

“It is vital that imports are suspended until Australian kiwifruit growers are satisfied that all necessary precautions are in place to prevent a PSA outbreak in Australia.

“The Labor Government has a dubious track record when it comes to protecting Australian agriculture from the danger of imported diseases, having previously refused to rule out permitting banana imports from the Philippines.

“Australia produces about 6000 tonnes of fruit annually for domestic consumption, and it is essential that we are not exposed to PSA.

“PSA is not harmful to humans or animals, but it can severely damage kiwifruit vines and significantly reduce production volumes and quality.

“I am calling on the Gillard Labor Government to take firm action to ensure that there is no possibility of the PSA disease entering Australia and affecting Coffs Coast kiwifruit growers.”