AU: Public hearing for Malaysia pineapple import concerns
Senator Ron Boswell said, "Pineapple growers have objected to the report on the basis that the risk of introducing a bacterial pathogen (pineapple strain Dickeya sp) that causes bacterial fruit collapse and heart rot into Australia is too great. These diseases were first detected in Malaysia and are now known to occur in the Philippines, Brazil, Costa Rica and Hawaii. The spread of the pathogen to Hawaii was suspected to be via the movement of infected pineapple planting material."
Growcom has already lodged an appeal against the risk assessment, citing difference in scientific opinions and the difficulty in eradicating the disease, should it be introduced to Australia.
The inquiry is expected to take evidence from Growcom, growers, scientists, Biosecurity Australia, Australian Quarantine Inspection Service and other parties.
The deadline for submissions is July 31.
Source: qcl.farmonline.au
