Apple and Pear Australia is astounded that Biosecurity Australia proposes to allow New Zealand apples into the country under minimal restrictions.
The agency has issued revised standards for allowing apple imports, after the World Trade Organisation ruled its earlier standards breached trade rules.
Pipfruit New Zealand says the draft standards are a vast improvement on previous attempts and will make access for New Zealand apples a lot easier.
But Apple & Pear Australia says Biosecurity Australia has done a complete about-face.
Chairman Darral Ashton says the standards will not protect Australian growers from fireblight and other diseases.
He says Australian growers will vigorously oppose the draft standards.
