NZ apples fail inspection

Apple growers say it is only a matter of time until South West orchards are infected following news New Zealand apples destined for export to Australia were rejected due to contamination.

Picture: Donnybrook apple and pear grower Steve Dilley

An apple leaf curling midge and organic trash was discovered by Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service inspectors, which growers say vindicates their long-running battle against the lifting of a 90-year ban on NZ apple imports.

The discovery was made during the required inspection of 600 apples per consignment.

Apple and Pear Australia Ltd chairman John Lawrenson said it was ‘‘extremely disturbing’’ that trash and a quarantinable pest were found so soon after the start of apple imports from New Zealand.

‘‘Given the rejections, it is obvious that either it is very difficult to completely exclude trash and leaf curling midges from apples, or the New Zealand standard orchard systems are not as robust as they believe them to be,’’ Mr Lawrenson said.

‘‘At this rate, there is a very real risk that we could have fire blight, European canker and leaf curling midge in Australia in the first full year of New Zealand apple imports.’’

Few countries remain free of fire blight, which has the potential to devastate apple and pear orchards and can only be treated with an antibiotic spray.

No country has been able to eradicate the disease.

Donnybrook apple and pear grower Steve Dilley said proof his and other growers’ concerns were founded was of little comfort.

‘‘I’m finding it really difficult to see a future for the industry,’’ Mr Dilley said.

‘‘It is possible that in the future, instead of seeing beautiful orchards as they drive through the region, people will see empty fields with piles of trees pushed up and burning.’’

Mr Dilley said a retail fightback was the last avenue of defence for rowers and implored consumers to buy local.

Growers have taken the unprecedented move of labelling their fruit with ‘‘Aussie Apple’’ stickers.

Bunbury Farmers’ Market director Kevin Opferkuch said he had no reason to look outside WA for apples.

‘‘I don’t think we need NZ apples in WA,’’ Mr Opferkuch said.

‘‘Our apples are every bit as good as apples anywhere.’’