WASHINGTON: Fresh produce exports continue as normal despite claims by the Fiji Fresh Produce Exporters Association that it has ceased exporting from Wednesday the past week. The Association president, Rizwan Khan had earlier said the decision to cease export was due to 100 per cent check imposed by Biosecurity Authority of Fiji on Non-Bilateral Quarantine Arrangement commodity.
This he said had caused exporters several hundred thousand in labour payments leaving exporters with thin margins or huge loss of revenue. “On a weekly basis we supply 100 tonnes of fresh produce that is 20 tonnes of papaya, 20 tonnes of eggplant, 20 tonnes of ginger and so forth at a cost of million dollars which is being lost by the association,” he said.
However this claim was disputed by Biosecurity Authority of Fiji executive chairman, Xavier Riyaz Khan. He said BAF records reveal that from last Wednesday nine fresh produce exporters, out of which two are members of FFPEA, have been exporting normally.
He said FFPEA should stop misleading the Fijians by claiming that fresh produce exporters have ceased exports since last Wednesday. “It is a normal practice for exporters to take a break during Christmas holidays,” Mr Khan said.
He said FFPEA should stop misleading by giving out inaccurate information to media and to the Fijians. “As exporter’s representative, FFPEA should work closely with BAF which is in the best interest of the exporters,” he said. Mr Khan said BAF had consulted with FFPEA and 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,” Mr Khan said.
Mr Khan said BAF will revert to the required sample sized based inspection once the farmers and the exporters at the pack houses have implemented accepted level of compliance and with consultation with the importing country.
Meanwhile the association and farmers are seeking an audience with the Prime Minister to sort impasse with BAF. Association president Mr Khan said “We hope that the PM can look into this matter and find an amicable resolve for exporters and farmers.”
