Australian apple growers are urging a boycott of Chinese apples as they hit Australian shelves for the first time.The arrival of the first imported Chinese apples, due to go on sale this week, has upset the local industry, which fears local farmers will suffer.
Apple and Pear Australia also criticised the timing, with many farms suffering from flood damage.
The organisation's chairman, Darral Ashton, is calling on Australian shoppers to continue buying Aussie apples, "which are grown to the highest standards in the world".
"We're calling on everyone to support the local industry which is known worldwide for its clean, green, farming practices," he said.
The industry employs more than 4500 people in regional areas and supports regional communities, Mr Ashton added.
The arrival of Chinese Fuji apples is the first time since 1921 that apples will be imported into Australia following a decision by Biosecurity Australia last year to allow imports from China.
The Chinese apples have arrived at wholesale markets in Sydney and are likely to start appearing in some retailers as early as this week.
Two of the nation's biggest retailers, Coles and Woolworths, have already shown their support for the Australian apple industry by refusing to stock Chinese apples.
"We're proud to say 96 per cent of Woolworths' fresh produce is grown in Australia and we never import if we can source suitable stock locally," said Paul Harker, one of Woolworths' senior business managers.
Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/mp/8659256/protests-as-chinese-apples-arrive/
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