Apple and pear growers in New Zealand’s Tasman region have called on the country’s central government to tighten its control over the export industry, local paper the Daily Mail reported.

During a visit to growing areas by the country’s Prime Minister John Key, growers expressed their concerns over eroding returns on exports and called for a structure similar to kiwifruit, where all exports are handled through Zespri.

According to the article, infighting and price undercutting has taken its toll on the grower’s profits from fruit destined for Europe. And if New Zealand’s apples and pears are allowed into Australia, as is being considered, the situation could become worse.

"If we don't do it, I give you two years and it's a dead market," Mariri grower Richard Easton is quoted as saying.

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com