KEY POINTS:
Continued stalling by Australia over apple imports makes it more likely New Zealand will take a case to the World Trade Organisation, Trade Minister Phil Goff says.
In Parliament yesterday, National Party agriculture spokesman David Carter questioned why it was taking the Government so long to get action on the issue and said his party thought a case should be taken to the WTO immediately.
In March, a ban on New Zealand apples entering Australia was formally lifted but they still have not been allowed in because of restrictions.
Mr Goff said New Zealand apples had been locked out of the Australian market for 85 years and the March decision was positive but the restrictions imposed were "scientifically unjustified".
Biosecurity New Zealand was asked to negotiate with its Australian counterpart to set up a procedure for apples to be imported.
"We're awaiting Australian response on the standard operating procedure which now regrettably appears to be further delayed because of pressure from the Australian apple industry and political sensitivities within the Australian system in the lead-up to the [federal] election."
Mr Goff said that made it more likely New Zealand would take a case to the WTO.
"Taking the matter to the WTO disputes procedure has always been a live option and I have to say, given the latest efforts to frustrate the finalisation of the standard operating procedure in Australia, that becomes an even more likely outcome."
Mr Goff said the industry supported the Government's approach so far and he pointed out that WTO disputes took years to be finalised and even a positive outcome did not mean trade could immediately start.
United States apples were not yet being exported to Japan despite it winning a WTO case.
If New Zealand took such action Mr Goff was confident it would win.
He said even if a case was taken to the WTO, New Zealand would be open to settling earlier with Australia. Australia argues New Zealand apples were a fireblight risk.
The Government is to give $2 million towards a project aimed at encouraging pipfruit growers to produce export fruit free of pesticide residues.
The funding, along with $667,000 from the industry, would pay for technical staff to help roll out "refined orchard management techniques".
- NZPA
