11 Aug 2015

Fiji opposition says public misled about export ban

9:22 pm on 11 August 2015

Fiji's National Federation Party says the Minister for Public Enterprises Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum is misleading people about the reasons for a New Zealand ban on Fijian horticultural produce.

Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Fiji's Attorney-General

Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum Photo: RNZ / Republika

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum says Fiji adheres stringently to international biosecurity standards and he's called the suspension of its eggplant, mango, breadfruit and papaya exports unjustified and extreme.

The NFP leader Biman Prasad says the party's investigation reveals a shipment of eggplants was not heated to the minimum requirement at Nadi Airport last month but biosecurity staff signed off its phytosanitary certification despite the breach.

Dr Prasad has alleged structural deficiencies within Biosecurity Fiji and he says Mr Sayed-Khaiyum must admit the agency is causing losses to farmers.

The leader of the Fiji National Federation Party, Biman Prasad.

Biman Prasad Photo: RNZ / Sally Round

He says the Minister should reassure farmers, exporters and the New Zealand authorities.

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