The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has issued a report evaluating the potential risks associated with importing pineapples from India and Indonesia. Local Australian farmers assert that the domestic market can be adequately supplied without the need for imported fruit.
The draft assessment is available for public consultation until September 14, 2026. Concerns have been raised by Australian pineapple growers about the possibility of introducing imports from these countries, fearing that it could bring foreign pests and diseases into the local agriculture sector.
The DAFF’s report focuses on the safety of importing decrowned pineapples, following requests for market access from both India and Indonesia under existing trade agreements. The report concludes that the fruit could be imported safely, provided that stringent biosecurity measures are implemented to control eight identified pests, primarily various mealy bug species.
Farmers remain skeptical about the necessity of these imports, insisting that local production is sufficient to meet domestic demand. Although the assessment does not guarantee that trade will commence, growers are advocating for thorough evaluation of the proposed risk management strategies.
Colin Hawken, a second-generation farmer from Mungar, located southwest of Maryborough, expressed his concerns regarding the potential introduction of new agricultural threats. He stated, “There are specific pests and diseases present in India and Indonesia that we do not have here. If they arrive, we would be ill-equipped to combat them.”
As a signatory to the World Trade Organization, the DAFF highlighted that Australia must adhere to international obligations, which include evaluating import requests and formulating scientifically sound conditions that do not impose unnecessary trade restrictions. Under these commitments, the department is unable to assess the possible economic effects of increased market competition, but it can evaluate the risks associated with specific pests and diseases.
Currently, Australia permits the importation of fresh decrowned pineapples from several countries, including the Philippines, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Taiwan, with import regulations for Malaysia nearing completion. In 2025, Australia imported approximately 18 tonnes of pineapples from Taiwan, with no imports from other nations over the last five years.
Scott Kompo-Harms, the chief executive of Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers, emphasized that imports are unnecessary. “Australia’s biosecurity is one of our most valuable natural resources, and it is crucial that we protect it,” he remarked. “If control measures are implemented, we expect them to be enforced consistently with ongoing monitoring.”
To mitigate pest risks, the DAFF report proposed various treatments such as fumigation and irradiation, in addition to recommending unit inspections and ensuring traceability from the farm to packing facilities. Despite Indonesia’s and India’s larger pineapple production capacities compared to Australia, local growers believe there is enough supply to fulfill domestic needs.
In the 2024/25 financial year, Australian farms produced 68,373 tonnes of pineapples, with over two-thirds being sold as fresh fruit. Mr. Hawken noted, “We can supply pineapples year-round and cater to our own market. Currently, there is a slight shortage, and we are receiving higher prices; however, there are times when prices fall below production costs.”
The estimated national farmgate value for pineapples stands at $78.6 million. In recent years, growers have invested in new pineapple varieties and marketing efforts to enhance the appeal of fresh pineapples in the face of competition from canned alternatives.
Scott Maxwell, chairman of Australian Pineapples, expressed concern that the positive momentum the industry has built could be jeopardized. “Every imported pineapple sold represents a lost sale for Australian farmers, which impacts local employment,” he stated. “Growers are extremely worried because they bear the consequences of any pest incursions.”
The pineapple industry plans to submit a formal response to the draft report. The consultation period, which concludes on September 14, will allow stakeholders to provide input that will shape the final report. This final document is expected to be released in the latter half of 2027, and even if importation is recommended, both India and Indonesia must prove their ability to implement the necessary controls before trade can commence.
