The New Zealand High Commission says the suspension of Fiji’s long bean export to NZ will remain until they are satisfied necessary changes to the export procedure have been undertaken.
Exports of long beans to NZ were temporarily suspended from 21 October following the interception of the potentially harmful pest (Thrips palmi) on three shipments of long beans and okra in October, and an earlier interception of long beans in August.
Thrips palmi is a high risk pest of concern to New Zealand.
New Zealand High Commissioner Mark Ramsden says the suspension of long bean imports is based on technical assessments and is consistent with international trading standards and practice.”
He says New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) had notified Fiji bio security authorities about the interceptions.
Ramsden says NZ has worked through the appropriate channels in dealing with the issue and they expect Fiji bio security authorities to do likewise, so as to minimize the impact on Fijian farmers and exporters and quickly allowing safe trade to recommence.
