Australia: US apple imports could risk biosecurity

Published 2022년 11월 7일

Tridge summary

The Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry in Australia is considering permitting the importation of fresh apples from the Pacific Northwest USA, despite concerns from local apple growers in Queensland. The growers are wary of the potential risk of pests and diseases, especially fire blight, which could threaten their industry and other related crops. If imported, fire blight could affect pome fruit crops, necessitating costly measures to control. The Department will verify that the US can meet Australia's import conditions and publish these conditions before issuing permits to approved importers.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

Australian supermarkets could soon stock American apples. Picture Brandon Long Queensland apple growers want the looming importation of US apples into Australia stopped until more work is done to allay pest and disease fears. In late October, the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry recommended the import of commercially produced fresh apples from the Pacific Northwest of the US into Australia be permitted if they meet the biosecurity import conditions. Agriculture Minister Murray Watt said he was confident Australia's biosecurity system was up to the task of keeping out any exotic pests or disease. Granite Belt Growers Association president and apple and strawberry grower Nathan Baronio is not convinced about US apple imports. Picture Eastern Colour However, Granite Belt Growers Association president and apple and strawberry grower Nathan Baronio wants further assurances. "Until the government can guarantee the right measures will be in place to protect our ...

Source: Queenslandcountrylife