First Aussie banned Kiwi apples for 89 years, now its the common potato thats under threat...
August 21st 2010 05:41
First Aussie banned NZ apples for 89 years, now it is the common potato thats under threat...
Hey those damn Aussies are at it again! After keeping Kiwi apples out of Australia for 89 years and taken before the World Trade Organisation - WTO - and had their case that Kiwi apples would bring diseases into Australia disproven! An appeal would not likely be successful either.
Now its the common spud. Read on and be amused!
Lobby group Ausveg claimed recently that bringing New Zealand potatoes for processing into potato chips, even under strict quarantine threatened to 'wreak devastation'
Some NZ varieties allegedly suffer from a disease known as Zebra Chip could result in potatoes developing unsightly dark lines when cooked. Australia has banned fresh potatoes from countries that have the disease. Quite frankly I have never heard of the disease. It does not affect edibility apparently.
The NZ AG and Fish Ministry had applied for access to Australia under approved quarantine conditions. Ausveg has admitted there were no known health risks but insisted allowing imports would be dire.
It was only this very month of August that the WTO ordered Australia to finally remove barriers to accepting the imports of NZ apples. Do we have to wait another 89 years before Australia accepte New Zealand potatoes as well? Whats next I wonder? The haka before rugby tests could have detrimental affects on young Australians' mental health?
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