Australian probe into NZ potato imports

An Australian Senate Inquiry into the importation of fresh potatoes from New Zealand has been praised by the Australian industry. “This represents a significant step in the right direction towards stopping the proposed importation of fresh potatoes from New Zealand, which are infected with the devastating Zebra Chip disease,” said AUSVEG Public Affairs Manager, William Churchill. The Zebra Chip disease renders potatoes worthless and coupled with the Tomato-potato Psyllid, has cost the New Zealand potato industry approximately $200 million. Australia is currently free of the Zebra Chip disease and the psyllid. More