Vegetable industry body AUSVEG has welcomed the Australian Government’s decision to impose anti-dumping duties on canned Italian tomatoes imported by companies Feger and La Doria, following a landmark case by Victorian food processors SPC Ardmona.

The decision means that all canned tomatoes from Italy are now subject to anti-dumping measures, following the previous imposition of duties on 103 other importers as a result of a previous case by SPC.

“This decision is great news for Australian growers struggling against cheap foreign imports and rising production costs,” said AUSVEG Deputy CEO Andrew White.

AUSVEG is the leading horticultural body representing Australia’s 9,000 vegetable and potato growers.

The duties have been imposed in response to findings by the Anti-Dumping Commission that the brands had sold their produce in Australia below a fair market price, impeding local producers’ ability to compete on a fair playing field.

“It is vital that Australian growers and local processors are able to compete on an equal footing with their international counterparts, and we hope that these duties will ensure our growers get a fair go,” said Mr White.

“Australian growers must regularly compete against foreign producers with far lower costs of production, who in many cases are receiving government subsidies which further enhance their competitive advantage.”

In 2015, AUSVEG warned that the effects of illegal dumping of tomatoes could reach far beyond the tomato industry if left unchecked, by creating a precedent potentially impacting on the broader Australian vegetable and potato industries.

“We’re glad to see the Australian Government take this action. This is a very positive announcement and we hope that this will restore a level playing field to the market, enabling Australian growers to compete on even terms with their international counterparts,” said Mr White.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT:  Andrew White, AUSVEG Deputy CEO
Phone: (03) 9882 0277, Mobile: 0409 989 575, Email: andrew.white@ausveg.com.au