Australia won’t ease import policy on fresh pineapples

Australia remains firm in its policy to allow only de-crowned pineapples into its market in spite of the government’s request to export fresh, crowned pineapples to Australia.

Following official talks last month between Australian and Philippines agriculture officials, Australia refused to liberalize its import policy on fresh pineapples.

In an interview with The STAR, Australian Ambassador Tony Hely explained that Australia’s decision is based on two factors.

First and foremost, Hely said, Australian consumers prefer de-crowned pineapples.

Second, Hely pointed out, despite the phyto-sanitary requirement, Philippine pineapple exports to Australia have been increasing.

Hely, however, could not give current figures on Philippine pineapple exports to Australia.

Hely insisted though that the increase in pineapple exports to Australia indicates that the de-crowning of the fruit does not affect sales.

Furthermore, Hely argued, the Philippine government’s contention that the shelf life of pineapples are affected does not appear to hamper the increase of the export of the Philippine fruit to Australia.

Hely reiterated the Australian government’s concern that it is in the pineapple crown where most of the pest are which could contaminate and infest Australia’s agriculture industry.