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The Government will consider taking a complaint to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) over conditions Australia is going to impose on New Zealand apple imports, Trade Minister Phil Goff said today.
Australia's final risk assessment on ending the 84-year ban on New Zealand apples was released yesterday, and growers say conditions attached to it are so strict few orchardists would find trans-Tasman exports economic.
While the total ban appeared to be on the brink of being overturned, Australia was considered to have imposed barriers which would effectively ensure it continued.
Mr Goff said he would meet Pipfruit New Zealand next week and there would be a close examination of the Biosecurity Australia's 600-page document.
"We do have the option of taking it to the World Trade Organisation, but that's not a quick option. It usually takes two or three years at least before you can get the matter dealt with," he said on National Radio.
"The WTO is an option, it's not something New Zealand particularly wants to do but it may be the only option left."
Agriculture Minister Jim Anderton said last night the Government was "extremely disappointed" with the final risk assessment, released after eight years of work.
New Zealand growers said no significant changes had been made to draft versions.
Australia has banned New Zealand apples since 1921, ostensibly on grounds that they could spread the bacterial disease fireblight.
Pipfruit New Zealand chairman Ian Palmer said Australia was ignoring World Trade Organisation rulings and international scientific evidence to keep the apples out.
Mr Anderton said extensive scientific analysis had been given to Biosecurity Australia to support New Zealand's argument that no risk mitigation measures were needed.
"This will not be acceptable to the New Zealand apple industry as, on first reading, it does not give us the access we hoped for," he said.
- NZPA
