The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji will not compromise the export standards of the Fijian agro-produce at any level including at farm or pack house.
The statement comes in response to Fiji Fresh Produce Exporters Association (FFPEA)’s decision to boycott export of fresh produce effective from yesterday.
Association President Rizwan Khan says it will not be exporting produce due to the decision of the 100 per cent check on commodity by Bio-security Authority
He says the 100 per cent check on Non Bilateral Quarantine Arrangement commodity has caused exporters several hundred thousands of dollars in labour payments, leaving exporters with thin margins or huge loss of revenue.
The Association is also unhappy with the one off $600 fees that it says is charged on exporters without any proper consultation.
BAF Executive Chair Xavier Khan says they introduced the 100 percent inspection of all produce in August this year as a result of increased interceptions at the New Zealand Border and to ensure that the pathways for export to NZ are sustained.
He says some exporters have been found breaching the inspection and approval process of BAF and continue to buy produce from non- approved farms.
Khan also refuted claims by the Association that BAF had not consulted or provided feedback to farmers saying they have a regular communication channel with all its stakeholders on their website.
