The Horticulture Export Authority backs a decision by Pipfruit New Zealand, to ballot growers on whether the HEA Act should be amended, to cover apple exports to Australia.
Last week, Biosecurity Australia cleared the way for New Zealand apple imports, after deciding it can manage risks associated with introducing Fire Blight, European Canker and Apple leaf curling midge.
Pipfruit New Zealand wants the new market to be controlled under the 1987 Horticulture Export Act which would mean exporters sharing information and meeting certain grade standards, and growers paying a levy for promotional activity.
HEA chief executive Simon Hegarty says there's a lot of sense in the apple industry wanting to come under the authority's umbrella for that market.
Pipfruit growers have until the end of the month to send their ballot paper.
The results will be sent to the Minister of Agriculture to decide if there's sufficient support for the Horticulture Export Act to be amended.
