Senator Fiona Nash

Burke should give fruit growers security too

The New South Wales Nationals Senator, Fiona Nash, has challenged the federal agriculture minister to prove he’s serious about food security.
“Minister Burke today announced a plan to protect food security – he could start by listening to fruit growers who have real concerns about the impact of apple imports on the industry,” Senator Nash said.

The Senator, who’s also the chair of the Senate’s Rural and Regional Affairs Committee, met with apple growers in Tumut today. 

“They’re very worried about the impact apple imports from China, and possibly New Zealand, will have not only prices, but the threat to the industry from Chinese fruit fly and the disease Fireblight,” Senator Nash said.

“Biosecurity Australia’s Import Risk Analysis failed to properly examine the risks posed by the Chinese fruit fly to the apple and pear industry and ignores grower concern about other pest and disease threats.

“Meantime, the government’s been sitting on a World Trade Organisation report on Australia’s 90 year ban on New Zealand apple imports.

“Growers are anxiously waiting to hear of the government, if re-elected, will allow New Zealand apple imports or not.”

The apple and pear industries generate an annual turnover of $500 million.

“If the minister’s serious about food security, he wouldn’t simply be just standing by on the sidelines, ignoring growers concerns about the potential devastating impact to their industry,” Senator Nash said.