ENZA Litigation Means Agriculture Minister Must Act

Minister of Agriculture Jim Sutton promised to act on ENZA’s statutory export monopoly if there was a crisis, and the time to act is now, said ACT Agriculture spokesman Gerry Eckhoff.

It was announced today that ENZA is taking the Apple and Pear Exports Permits Committee to court stating that it’s decision to approve the export of 2.45 million cartons of apples by independent exporters so far this season was “deregulation by stealth.”

“We have corporates litigating, and abusing a statutory monopoly, to guarantee large profits for themselves while orchardists go to the wall.

‘The increased allocation of individual export licences has been a natural progression, and rejection of, ENZA’s statutory export monopoly. The gradual liberalisation of export licences has created a ‘snow-ball’ effect as more and more New Zealand orchardists demand the choice and freedom to sell their fruit where they like.

“The announcement by ENZA today is a desperate attempt by vested interests to secure their monopoly profits. The upcoming court battle and the resulting freeze on export licences will be devestating for orchardists and their families.

“Jim Sutton said he would not act unless there was a crisis, so I challenge him to display leadership skills and act decisively to save New Zealand’s pipfruit industry by deregulating the industry,” said Gerry Eckhoff.

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