Fed: US grape imports banned in Aust

AAP General News (Australia)
02-28-2001
Fed: US grape imports banned in Aust

By Shane Wright

CANBERRA, Feb 28 AAP - Table grapes from California will not be allowed into Australia
over fears they may carry a deadly grape virus.

Agriculture Minister Warren Truss said today an application to import the grapes had
been rejected by the nation's quarantine watchdog, Biosecurity Australia.

Mr Truss said Biosecurity had knocked back the proposal over fears the Californian
grapes may bring with them the glassy-winged sharp shooter, an insect that carries Pierce's
disease.

An outbreak of Pierce's disease last year wiped out …