Australian pork industry fights government pig import policies

 

 

Australian Pork Limited began legal action in July 2004 against a government decision on May 2004 to allow conditional entry of pork from countries with Post Weaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome (PMWS).

 

The Australian federal court on May 27, ruled in favour of APL's stand, rejecting the government's decision as "bizarre" and "unreasonable" and without any supporting scientific evidence.

 

Under federal court directions, APL sent draft orders to the government seeking a review of all pork import permits and processing licences in line with court findings, as well as an immediate ban on any new pork import permits or licences to be issued to PMWS positive countries. Further court action would be taken if the court orders were not complied with.

 

An outbreak of PMWS in Australia would increase production costs by 15 percent, resulting in a A$55.3 million annual loss in productivity and a A$188.9 million fall in gross domestic product, APL said.

 

According to APL, the federal court found there was undisputed evidence that permitting imports would mean a 70 percent chance of PMWS spreading to Australian pig herds within five years.  An outbreak within ten years was a "virtual certainty".

 

APL stated its readiness to work with producers, processors and retailers to minimise pork trade disruption and increase local supply in the short and medium term through appropriate supply contracts.