FED: Australia rejects NZ apple export bid = 2

AAP General News (Australia)
12-11-1998
FED: Australia rejects NZ apple export bid = 2

The AQIS report found that the biological impact of fire blight was highly dependent on
environmental conditions.

While it was rarely a significant problem in New Zealand, it had the potential to be a
serious problem in Australia.

A study by the Australian Apple and Pear Growers Association had estimated losses of $827
million over the period 1997 to 2002 if fire blight was widespread, AQIS said, noting the
disease also had the potential to harm nursery plants and the nursery industry.

The study also found there did not seem to be practical mitigation measures which could be
implemented in Australia to reduce the risk to an acceptable level.

Consideration of New Zealands application has been an ongoing controversy./

NZ scientists last year claimed to have found fire blight bacteria on plants in Melbourne
and Adelaide botanical gardens.

But Australian growers said the claims were part of a campaign.

Extensive testing later showed Australian orchards were free of the disease.

AAP msl/mfh/it

KEYWORD: APPLES 2 CANBERRA

1998 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.