Tamarillo ban upsets NZ growers

Tag : Tamarillo
An Australian decision to ban imports of tamarillos from NewZealand has angered farmers across the Tasman.

The farmers say there is no proof the fruit has been infected by anew bacterium.

New Zealand stopped exporting fresh tomatoes and capsicums earlythis month when the bacterium was found in three commercialhothouses near Auckland.

Farmers say tamarillos (also known as tree tomatoes) are notaffected, but New Zealand's Biosecurity Minister Jim Andertonunderstands Australia's concern.

"While it's true that we don't have evidence that tamarillos areinfected, we don't have evidence that they are not," he said.

Tests are being carried out on tamarillo crops throughout thecountry.

The New Zealand government says if they come back clear, Australiashould lift the ban.

For further information contact:
Jim Anderton
New Zealand's Biosecurity Minister
jim.anderton@parliament.govt.nz