APAL is notifying apple and pear levy payers of an activation to the Emergency Plant Pest Response (EPPR) levy as our industry is required to fund contributions of the Varroa jacobsoni and the Torres Strait Fruit Fly response plans.APAL has sought agreement from the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources for the activation of the EPPR levy at the following rates:
Apples: the levy will be set at 0.05 cents/kilogram for fresh domestic, fresh export and zero dollars/tonne for juicing and processing.
Pears: the levy will be set at 0.05 cents/kilogram for fresh domestic, fresh export and zero dollars/tonne for juicing and processing.
Estimates calculated by APAL indicate that it will be necessary for the levy to be set at this positive rate for five years and provided the apple and pear industry has met its funding commitments, it is proposed that the levy be reduced back to zero.Once confirmation from the Minister is received and acknowledged, an objection period will commence and run until 31 May 2017. During this time, apple and pear levy payers are invited to make any reasonable objection to the introduction of this levy.
For more information or to object to the levy contact APAL Technical Manager Angus Crawford on 03 9329 3511 or
