PM O'Neill , Tomscoll announce three Month Moratorium on New Fruit and Vegetable Import System

Prime Minister and Agriculture Minister Announce Three Month Moratorium on New Fruit and Vegetable Import System

The Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O’Neill CMG MP, and the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Hon. Tommy Tomscoll MP, have announced revisions to the issuing of permits for the importation of fruit and vegetables into Port Moresby.

There will be a three-month moratorium for businesses in the retail sector to become better acquainted with import reforms that are designed to enhance local production and further protect Papua New Guinea’s biosecurity.

The Prime Minister said the government has taken on the views of business in providing the extension, and that ultimately the introduction of the new system will provide a boost for Papua New Guinea agricultural production.

“It is not right that we have very capable farmers and small business in agriculture, but they cannot compete in their own country against foreign imports driven by major corporations,” the Prime Minister said.

“We are levelling the playing field and creating new opportunities for our SMEs involved food production.

“We can grow premium organic fruit and vegetables in this country that is of a higher standard and will be a lot better for the health of our people.

“In the coming months preparations will be made for the new system come into full effect. We will do this in a structured way so that foreign producers will be able to familiarise themselves with the new system, and new import permits will be awarded.

“During this period there will be further consultation between Papua New Guinea farmers, wholesalers and retailers to improve supply chains.

“This will include discussion with airlines so as to more efficiently transport produce within the country.

“The Highlands have the potential to grow some of the best and most nutritious fruit and vegetable produce in the world.

“We have to improve our supply chains to get this to market in other centres.

“I commend the ongoing work of Minister Tomscoll to strengthen our agriculture sector and empower our farmers to compete against imports.”

The Prime Minister also noted his concern at some of the misinformation that has been spread in relation to fruit and vegetable import reforms.

"The new import measures will further enhance our biosecurity in Papua New Guinea through better co-ordination of import channels.

“We have fruit and vegetable imports that are being ordered through Australia but are coming from third and fourth countries with lower standards. Just as Australia and New Zealand are very careful in scrutinising the import of food, we must also be vigilant to prevent the introduction of pests and plant diseases.

“We have already seen the effects of pest outbreaks before such as the cocoa pod borer (CPB) in East New Britain and Bougainville. While some threats to biosecurity are already in the country and must be managed, we must be vigilant and protect against future threats.

“We will have further announcements on this system and ongoing stakeholder engagement in the coming months.”