NZ: Antibiotic kiwi growers warned
The Bay of Plenty growers, 26 in total, could have faced prison terms or fines of $15,000.
Neil Treblico, President of New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers said that, whilst he did not supported the actions of the growers concerned, they had acted out of desperation.
"Obviously growers did panic [because of Psa] but I won't in any way condone what they've done because they've put the whole industry at risk."
Zespri said over 9000 tests for streptomycin antibiotic residue were carried out prior to harvest this year.
"Zespri's 2012 sales season has not been affected by the actions of less than 1 per cent of New Zealand growers who applied KeyStrepto outside the rules," a spokesperson said.
"To give further confidence to our markets, Zespri's 2013 residue-testing programme will be boosted. Every kiwifruit orchard in New Zealand will now be subject to residue-testing for around 300 different compounds before fruit is accepted for export.
Source: bayofplentytimes.co.nz
