BIOSECURITY Authority Fiji (BAF) executive chairman Xavier Riyaz Khan refuted claims by Fiji Fresh Produce Exporters Association (FFPEA) that Fiji is losing $1million a week as a result of halt in exports by members of FFPEA.
However, BAF confirmed that fresh produce exports continue as normal despite claims by the FFPEA that its members have ceased exporting from Wednesday, December 23, 2015. Mr Khan said BAF records revealed that from December 23 nine fresh produce exporters, out of which two are members of FFPEA, have been exporting normally.
He said FFPEA should stop misleading Fijians by claiming that fresh produce exporters ceased exports since last Wednesday.
“We have nine fresh produce exporters who have been exporting since last Wednesday and two of these are members of FFPEA,” Mr Khan said in a statement.
“It is normal practice for exporters to take a break during Christmas holidays.
“FFPEA should stop misleading by giving inaccurate information to media and to the Fijians.
“As exporters’ representative, FFPEA should work closely with BAF which is in the best interest of the exporters.”
Mr Khan said BAF consulted FFPEA and the Ministry of Agriculture before implementing audit and approval of Non-BQA farms.
“BAF will not compromise the export standards of the Fijian agro-produce at any level including at farm or pack house,” he said. BAF introduced 100 per cent inspection of all produce in August this year as a result of increased interceptions at the New Zealand border and to ensure that the pathways for export to NZ are sustained.
“BAF is a regulatory authority and official signatory under World Trade Organisation (WTO) International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) as competent authority certifying export of plant and plant products.
“BAF has been consulting all stakeholders and the Ministry of Agriculture to address all biosecurity related issues.”
Mr Khan said BAF would revert to the required sample-sized based inspection once farmers and the exporters at the pack houses implemented accepted level of compliance and with consultation with the importing country.
