3 December 2000

Pipfruit growers, worried about their future because of export restrictions, have called on politicians from all parties and the public to support their call for relaxation of the Apple and Pear Export Regulations.

Grower Survival Group chairman Peter Young says that growers have hit a brick ball with Agriculture Minister Jim Sutton and they need to look elsewhere for support.

"We have had to take our plight to the steps of Parliament and to the streets of Wellington because the Minister won't act on our concerns.

"What he doesn't seem to understand is that we are fighting for our survival. He is the Minister in charge of the repressive legislation that is threatening our survival and he cannot ignore our plea.

"Our attempts to get the Minister to meet the whole group have gone nowhere to this point. Now his office is indicating that he won't meet with us if we protest in Wellington.

"Not only does he want to deny us sufficient exporting choice, it also seems that we may have to forgo our democratic rights of free speech to get a hearing.

Mr Young said that ordinary New Zealanders were shocked to learn that pipfruit growers' futures were under threat from ENZA's virtual export monopoly and its corporate raider dominated board.

"We have had a lot of feedback from ordinary New Zealanders who support our call for the right to export our apples.

"If the people of Wellington can turn out and show that support during our protest march next Wednesday that would be wonderful", said Mr Young.

Further information: Peter Young Chairman Grower Survival Group Tel: 06 878 5498 or mobile 025 455 007

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