From: Gary & Julie Godwill [mailto:gtgodwill@bigpond.coml
Sent: Wednesday, 29 June 2011 8:22 PM
To: BA - Plant Biosecurity Contact
Subject: NZ apple imports
To Whom It May Concern,
I am a fourth generation apple and pear grower from the Goulburn Valley. I find it unacceptable that Biosecurity Australia has recommended to the Australian Government that New Zealand apples be allowed into Australia with nothing more than their own industry protocol as evidence of their phytosanitary standards. Their ordinary orchard protocol is not an export protocol, and we are not even allowed to see what these controls are.
Does Biosecurity Australia realise the ramifications of importing produce from a country that has excessively used antibiotics in the animal husbandry and horticultural industries. It should be noted that Australia does not have registration for use of the antibiotic used in the control offire blight. The overuse of such antibiotics in Europe have brought about resistance to antibiotics and has resulted in superbugs. This is not only a threat to horticulture and agriculture industries but is also now a threat to humans. Even though Australia has not had registration of these antibiotics, the threat of superbugs could eventuate by directly importing microbes that are resistant on produce.
It appears to me that the decision to allow unrestricted access to the Australian market by New Zealand is a direct result of the comments made by the Prime Minister in the New Zealand parliament. We believe the remark was stupid and lacked thought. We call upon Biosecurity Australia to rethink the recommendation.
Regards
Gary Godwill
510 Shepparton-Euroa Rd,
Kialia East. Vic 3631
0428271396
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