Government to permit US apple imports

Earlier this week, the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) released its final report allowing for the import of US apples to Australia. APAL is currently reviewing the details within DAFF’s final report allowing for the import of US apples to Australia and will share insights on what this means for Australian growers and the industry in due course.

“APAL does not support the importation of US apples, due to the substantial threat posed to Australia’s biosecurity,” said Phil Turnbull, CEO of APAL.

“Given the recent biosecurity incursions, including Varroa mite and brown marmorated stink bugs, plus the increased threat of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and lumpy skin disease (LSD), any further work to allow the importation of US apples should be halted.

“Until the government can guarantee that the right measures are in place to protect Australia’s biosecurity, the government should stop the process to allow the import of US apples to Australia,” Phil said.

APAL will continue to work with the government to protect the interests of Australian growers and will lobby the government to ensure that biosecurity remains the top priority.

For further information and to read the full report visit https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/policy/risk-analysis/memos/ba2022-p10