Geeveston apple producer, John Evans, said the issue was the use of Taut Liners (curtain-sided trailers) for which there was no protocol for transit through the Northern Control Zone.
“The main issue is the bin size required by our mainland pack-house which cannot go in normal refrigerated trailers,” John said.
“Additionally we have to transit our apples through the Control Zone to Burnie in Taut Liners which could have potentially opened an exposure to Queensland fruit fly.”
“Given many of us commence harvest this week, we made a submission to Biosecurity Tasmania to review the use of the Taut Liners.”
Growers in the control zone Shane Weeks (left) and Brett Squibb
Following the grower submission and Biosecurity Tasmania review, the transport of fruit and vegetables grown out of the Control Area requiring movement through the control area requires protection in secure packaging.
Taut Liners can be now used, provided they are sealed and the fruit or vegetables are only destined for unregulated markets such as Victoria, NSW and Queensland. Time in the Control Zone including transit or loading is limited to one hour.
The protocol prohibits the use of Taut Liners for the transport of produce destined for international protocol markets or regulated domestic markets such as South and Western Australia.
“This is a positive way fruit growers have engaged with Biosecurity Tasmania during this difficult phase across this very difficult time,” said John.
“Historically the State’s fruit growers have always found solutions for problems and this outcome is reflective of that approach.”