Media Statement
For immediate release
Friday, 14 May 2004

Copeland compares apple ban to underarm bowling

United Future MP Gordon Copeland, born and raised on an apple and pear orchard in Nelson, believes that Australia's import ban on New Zealand apples is simply another case of underarm bowling.

"The scientific evidence has long since confirmed what New Zealand orchardists have always known, namely that our apples are free of fire blight.

"It is unbelievable that for no less than 80 years Australian apple growers have used a phantom unsubstantiated and therefore illogical excuse to keep our fantastic apples out of their market. I think they simply fear competition from a superior product.

"I can't help but think that the Australian consumer is being forgotten by the Australian Government in this instance; in terms of juice and flavour, there is nothing like NZ-grown apples.

"Australian consumers are the losers and it is time that their government gave away irrationality in favour of science."

Ends.

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