The Australian apple industry is calling on shoppers to support Australian farmers by making sure they buy Australian apples following the arrival of imported apples from China.

In a statement released today, Darral Ashton, Chairman of Apple & Pear Limited (APAL), the peak industry body for the apple and pear industry, has asked Australians to continue supporting the local apple industry.

[pullquote]Coles and Woolworths have shown their support for the Australian apple industry by refusing to stock Chinese apples.[/pullquote]

“We’re calling on everyone to support the local industry which is known worldwide for its clean, green farming practices. The industry employs more than 4,500 people in regional areas and supports our regional communities,” Mr Ashton said.

The arrival of Chinese Fuji apples signals a new era for Australian apple farmers – it 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.

It has been reported that Chinese apples have arrived at wholesale markets in Sydney and are likely to start appearing in some retailers as early as this week.

According to APAL, two of the nation’s biggest retailers, Coles and Woolworths, have shown their support for the Australian apple industry by refusing to stock Chinese apples.

“We’re proud to say 96 percent of Woolworths fresh produce is grown in Australia and we never import if we can source suitable stock locally. Australia’s apple industry supplies Woolworths with good quality apples all year round so we have no reason to import,” said Paul Harker, Woolworths senior business manager produce.

Coles also confirmed that all of their apples are sourced from Australian suppliers and that it has no plans to change its apple sourcing arrangements while its Australian suppliers continue to meet customers’ quality and price expectations.

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EthicalLiving.com.au