Reports from New Zealand that the WTO is poised to rule that apples and pears from New Zealand can be imported to Australia are extremely worrying for Adelaide Hills apple and pear producers.

I have written to Trade Minister Simon Crean seeking urgent assurance that the Australian Government is doing all it can to prevent this ruling being handed down.

The dangers posed to Australia’s $500 million apple and pear industry from the devastating fire-blight disease are enormous.

This ban has been there for decades because the risk to our industry is far too great.

The Rudd Government must act immediately to ensure the WTO does not make a final decision without consideration of the risks to Australia’s industry.