A temporary import suspension implemented by New Zealand on Australian grown rockmelons and honeydew melons has been cancelled.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, and federal member for Maranoa, David Littleproud, said quick work following New Zealand concerns about the dimethoate treatment applied to Australian produce had helped to safeguard the future of the $5 million trade
“I am pleased that the melon industry, treatment providers, along with my department and New Zealand authorities, have resolved any issues so that our growers can continue to provide consumers across the ditch with great tasting melons,” Mr Joyce said.
“Just as we expect other countries to respect our biosecurity conditions, so must we respect theirs when we seek to export our agricultural products.
“It’s important to remember that, although New Zealand put a temporary suspension on imports of rockmelons and honeydew melons from Australia treated with dimethoate, the trade in melons to New Zealand was able to continue from areas free of fruit fly.
source: northqueenslandregister.com.au
