The Papua New Guinean Government has banned the import of selected Australian fruits and vegetables into that country.
The ban is based on PNG’s desire to support domestic producers of vegetables, according to the Department of Agriculture.
Australian fresh vegetable exports to the PNG market were worth $3.8 million to the Australian vegetable industry in 2014-15, according to industry body Ausveg.
“Australian vegetables have been exported to PNG without major issue for a number of years and it has been a relatively stable market in recent times.
“This is concerning given the unexpected nature and timing of the announcement,” Ausveg national manager – export development, Michael Coote said.
“The main vegetables that are affected by this ban include a range of staple lines including onions, carrots, potatoes and tomatoes, along with other vegetable commodities such as capsicum, lettuce and celery among others,” he said.
The timing of this ban coming into effect will impact Queensland growers as they are currently in season, with southern producers likely to be affected later in the season, according to Ausveg.
Ausveg said it is working with all relevant parties in an effort to resolve issues posed by this sudden announcement.
