The National Farmers Federation's (NFF) plea to the Federal Government to finalize the deal that will put Australia as one of the top importers of New Zealand apples has earned the ire of several apple growers. The farming group's action sparked a debate whether it is logical for the Australian government to enter the high stakes transaction. The NFF, however, strongly rallied behind the idea, citing that failure to do so may yield dire repercussions to the country's global status as importers and exporters.

The NFF sent a written petition to Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran, urging the latter to finally affix his signature to the long-standing deal, which will put orchards under the watch of Australian and New Zealand quarantine experts. If finalized, inspections and treatments of affected fruits will be conducted. The deal was a result of the fireblight disease that greatly affected the apple growing industry and reduced the Australians' role from exporters to importers.

Apple Pear Australia's John Corboy argued that the deal does not guarantee to curb the disease or save the industry from further economic plunge like being mere importers of goods. Corbor added that the NFF's actions are counterproductive and that the latter is "out of order" in the issue. NFF President David Crombie, however, countered that should the Federal Government drag the deal further, the country will run the risk of possible sanctions from the World Trade Organization (WTO). Should such an event happen, Crombie said, it can have a damaging effect particularly in the agricultural sector, which will further affect the status of the country as exporters and importers of various products. Crombie concluded that a contention from WTO may create far-reaching economic aftermaths.