New Zealand apple growers have been stunned by Australia's decision to allow Chinese apple shipments into the country while denying New Zealand imports, the Otago Daily Times has reported.
Otago Regional Fruitgrowers Committee chairman John Webb said the decision illustrated a double standard at work.
'I'm flabbergasted. It seems to me a slight bit of hypocrisy going on somewhere in the camp,' Mr Webb said.
The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) last week decided to allow Chinese apple imports, under strict quarantine supervision, despite protests from the Australian apple industry.
Mr Webb said it was disappointing Australia could accomodate China, a country he pointed out has more serious biosecurity issues than New Zealand.
'It seems that the mighty, like China, have more sway than this country. Everyone wants to snuggle up to China. Australia is important to New Zealand as a market, but we're not important to them.'
China last week agreed to lift requirements to survey Tasmanian apples for European canker and fireblight, paving the way for Australian apple exports.
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