The Victorian government in Australia has offered the services of its scientists to the horticultural industry in preparing submissions to a new report on fire blight, expected to be released soon.
Federal authority Biosecurity Australia is expected to release its latest report on how New Zealand could be allowed to import apples into Australia soon.
The last report, called an import risk analysis, was roundly criticised by the fruit industry and Victorian scientists because of the danger that apples could introduce fire blight into Australia, potentially devastating local apple and pear crops.
Victorian agriculture minister Bob Cameron offered the assistance of Victorian DPI scientists to work with scientists employed by growers in developing a response to the soon-to-be-released report.
National Fire Blight Taskforce chairman John Corboy believes the release is imminent.
"We welcome the offer," Corboy said after meeting with Cameron. "It's good to be working with a government rather than fighting a government," he said, referring to the recommendations of Biosecurity Australia in the last report.
"Victoria is at risk of massive losses, because we grow 90 per cent of the nation's pears here, and 30 per cent of the apples."
Cameron said the key was to develop submissions based on science and the DPI scientists would be happy to do that.
"Good, solid scientific information is required,” Cameron said. He acknowledged there were both politics and science involved in the debate over the importation of New Zealand apples.
"You have to separate the politics and the science. We believe we can help with the science. In terms of the politics, this will be a matter for the federal government."
