Proposal to allow lime imports stirs up AU growers
The Department of Agriculture's draft report for the review of biosecurity import requirements for fruit from the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu proposes that imports be permitted. Written submissions on the draft report will be accepted until August 7.
Far north Queensland Tahitian lime grower Karen Muccignat said such a move would compromise the local lime industry through the threat of pests and an over-supplied market.
Her family business at Mutchilba already operates at a loss for six months of the year, when cold climate varieties grown in the southern states are abundant and prices drop.
Ms Muccignat said the main concern with new imports is biosecurity and that by allowing more imports into Australia, it puts the country's crops at risk of pests and diseases.
"Limes are our main business so we need to keep going and supply our suppliers and keep everybody happy. I just can't see why we would risk the Australian industry with more limes coming in."
Read more at abc.net.au
