Newlands orchardist and Fruitwest chairman Ben Darbyshire said the government appeal was most welcome.

“I don’t think there is much appreciation of the importance of biosecurity for Australia and regionally within Australia,” Mr Darbyshire said.

“Global and Australian food security is a critical issue that does not seem to command much attention.

“Very few people have seen the devastating effects of fire blight, for example. This is what we risk.”

A World Trade Organisation (WTO) panel previously disregarded Australia’s concerns about diseases being imported on New Zealand apples.

It upheld arguments which challenged scientific and risk assessments supporting restrictions on the New Zealand apple trade.

New Zealand apples have been denied import to Australia because of the risk of fireblight, a highly contagious apple and pear disease that makes affected areas of an orchard appear as though they have been scorched by fire.

Australia is believed to be fire blight free.

Apple and Pear Australia Ltd (APAL) chairman Darral Ashton also said he was pleased the government had announced its appeal to the WTO decision.

“This is not something Australia can walk away from. We need to protect our disease-free status, not just for apple and pear growers but for horticulture, agriculture and communities in general,” he said.

“Our aim all along was to prevent the diseases of fire blight, European canker and the insect apple leaf curling midge from entering Australia. The apple and pear industry, along with the government, vigorously defended its science-based quarantine system throughout this dispute.

“We are pleased the Government is committed to maintaining the integrity of Australia’s quarantine regime,” Mr Ashton said.

The outcome of the appeal may be determined by the end of 2010.