Vanuatu's lime exports to New Zealand have been temporarily stopped over biosecurity issues.
“The first shipment in an export trial of Vanuatu's Tahitian limes arrived in New Zealand in February.
“Biosecurity New Zealand said Vanuatu officials had agreed to stop issuing export certificates for the limes until the issues were resolved.
“Without identifying the issues, the agency said it was "working closely with local officials to identify and address any gaps in Vanuatu's certification system".
“Vanuatu Plant Biosecurity Officer Touasi Tiwok told the Daily Post the temporary stop was an opportunity to discuss "risks" to New Zealand.
"What New Zealand has asked us to do is review our pathway system, starting from the production level to the market," she said.
"We have asked farmers to wait for the time being until we reach an agreement for exports to resume."
“The high season for lime growers in Vanuatu, between August and February, corresponds with the off-season in New Zealand.”
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