The Plant Health Directive includes requirements on the movement of material within the EU, and on imported material, to prevent the spread of this disease. Additional measures may also be introduced in response to particular risks. Under Directive 93/85 the Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate (PHSI) carry out annual monitoring of potatoes for the organism (Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus) which causes the disease. Restrictions are imposed in the event of positive findings and a contingency plan is in place outlining the measures to be taken.

Special requirements have been in place since 2004 for all potatoes being despatched from Poland to other Member States to be officially tested and pre-notified by the Polish Plant Health Service. There is a statutory requirement for such potatoes to be pre-notified to Fera at least two days before import and to be accompanied by the Polish certificate. Pre-notification arrangements are also in place for ware potatoes from Romania, Spain and Portugal (the latter two because of the presence of Epitrix in those countries). Further details are available in the attached letter, which also covers requirements for potatoes imported from other sources.

Those bringing seed potatoes into England and Wales from other EU Member States must notify such introductions in advance. The information provided facilitates monitoring by the Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate and allows tracing in the event of problems. In the event of non-compliance, statutory action is taken reflecting the level of risk resulting from the infringement. Details of the notification system are available here.

In April Fera reported on the investigation and containment of a suspected ring rot outbreak. Fera commented: ‘It remains the case that timely action has limited the number of farms affected and given good prospects for containing and ultimately eradicating this outbreak.  This incident reinforces the importance of  importers of potatoes from other EU member states complying with statutory notification requirements, to allow pre-planting checks where appropriate and to facilitate timely follow up in the event of problems.’

Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRL for 8-hydroxyquinoline in tomatoes

According to EFSA, the submitted data are sufficient to derive a MRL proposal of 0.1 mg/kg for 8-hydroxyquinoline in tomatoes which reflects the analytical LOQ of the method used to analyse residue trial samples. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concludes that the intended indoor use of 8-hydroxyquinoline on tomatoes will not result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference values and therefore is unlikely to pose a public health risk.

For more information see: http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/3224.htm?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=pub&utm_campaign=20130515

Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for tetraconazole in commodities of plant and animal origin

According to EFSA the data are sufficient to derive a MRL proposal of 0.2 mg/kg on apples, 0.07 mg/kg on grapes and 0.02 mg/kg (LOQ) on wheat. Before the MRLs are lowered it should be confirmed that no more critical GAPs are currently authorised at EU level for these crops. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concludes that the proposed uses of tetraconazole on the crops under consideration will not result in a consumer exposure exceeding the toxicological reference values for tetraconazole and therefore is unlikely to pose a consumer health risk

For more information see: http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/3223.htm?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=pub&utm_campaign=20130515

The European Commission is considering deregulating Monilinia Fructicola (brown rot) from the Annex IAI of Council Directive 2000/29/EC as a harmful organism.  This pest has become established in some EU member states and consequently there is a need to review its status.

We have been asked to provide any feedback on the proposal to deregulate Brown rot and we welcome your feedback on this.

Brown rot is a serious disease of stone fruits caused by the fungus Monilinia fructicola, as well as related Monilinia species. The main hosts of Monilinia fructicola are the rosaceous stone fruit trees, other Prunus spp. and, to a lesser extent apples and pears.  The fungus has been found on flowering quinces, hawthorns, quinces, loquat and blackberries.

The main pathways for human assisted spread of the fungus are plants for planting and fruit of host species.  Monilinia fructicola has been present for more than ten years in Europe, and is not known to be present in the UK, although it has been intercepted on fruit. An Pest Risk Assessment by the European Food Safety Authority concludes that further spread of this pest within the EU is very likely.

In the PRA EFSA indicates that stricter requirements are needed for the import of fruit from infected areas of third countries, which currently target fruits of Prunus imported in the period 15 February to 30 September. Taking into account that M. fructicola is now present in EU, the revision of its listing to include it in Section II of Annex IA would lead to the inclusion of new Annex IVAII requirements concerning the movement of fruit within the EU. Internal movement requirements for fruits of host plants would mean that fruit of Prunus L, Malus Mill., Pyrus L., etc. would need a plant passport, with associated costs and burdens.

According to the EFSA PRA methods to control this pest and limit its impact are available in the EU. These include the application of two to three fungicide sprays around flowering, followed by one or two sprays between the beginning of ripening and pre-harvest. The PRA draws attention to the need to avoid fungicide resistance. Furthermore, cultural practices are efficient in reducing inoculum levels and improving the effectiveness of fungicide sprays. Chemical treatments which are already applied against other Monilinia species are also effective in the control of Monilinia fructicola. Pre-harvest fungicide sprays applied for the control of diseases on several M. fructicola host species caused by other Monilinia species or other fungi (e.g. powdery mildews) can suppress sporulation of M. fructicola on infected tissues. As a consequence, further spread of M. fructicola in the EU is not expected to lead to a substantial increase in the use of plant protection products. As mentioned above, there are also cultural practices that can be used to decrease the impact of the disease.

Taking into account these factors, the European Commission is proposing to deregulate Monilinia fructicola.  An alternative could possibly be the introduction of Protected Zone (PZ) status, for those MS/areas which wish to remain free of the organism, particularly where geographic barriers exist to reduce the likelihood of natural spread (which potentially could include the UK).  This would involve having import requirements and internal movement requirements for plants for planting and fruit, but only for the PZ. This would also include plant passport requirements for fruit of M. fructicola host species being moved into the PZ. Eradication measures would be needed in case of outbreaks.

It would seem that the benefits of PZ status are likely to be outweighed by the costs and burdens involved.  Since other Monilinia species are present in the EU, the introduction of M. fructicola into a free area is unlikely to cause  a deterioration in plant health status because M. fructicola is not considered to be more aggressive, it does not have a greater impact and it is not more difficult to control than other Monilinia species. Therefore, the Commission’s proposal would seem to represent a proportionate and justified approach, noting:

• the present occurrence of Monilinia fructicola in the Member States that are the main EU producers of susceptible fruit
• the pathways for human-assisted spread, in particular the fruit pathway, which would be complex to regulate within the EU; this would require strengthened controls on fruit from third countries and plant passporting of fruit being moved into a PZ from elsewhere in the EU
• the multiple mechanisms for natural spread, which are difficult to suppress (such as wind-assisted spread) – although the UK is more protected than most
• the widespread presence of suitable cultivated and wild hosts
• the observed low impact in infested areas
• the availability of effective cultural practices and chemical control methods to reduce its impact on yield and fruit quality
• the potential for supply difficulties if additional requirements were to apply to the UK only, when the organism is present in all the major fruit producing Member States

 If you would like more information or would like to provide feedback before 24 April please contact sian@freshproduce.org.uk

Non-executive Board Member of Covent Garden Market Authority (Fruit and Vegetable Supply Chain)

£9,864 for 18 days per year plus per diem rate for further days

Non-executive Board Member of Covent Garden Market Authority (Business Development and Support)

£8,220 for 15 days per year plus per diem rate for further days

New Covent Garden Market (NCGM) is the largest fruit, vegetable and flower market in the UK. Located in the heart of the capital, the Market is the choice of many leading chefs, florists, restaurants, hotels, schools and hospitals. The Fruit and Vegetable Market provides around 40% of the fresh produce served outside the home within the M25, and NCGM has a turnover of £600m. With 160 types of fruit, 180 different vegetables from samphire to mangoes, mizuna to courgette flowers, NGCM has the pick of the world’s best produce.  The Market is the launch pad for new varieties and new businesses, whether in food wholesale or distribution. 

The Market is owned and run by the Covent Garden Market Authority (CGMA), a statutory corporation sponsored by Defra. As landlord the Authority is responsible for managing the assets and providing the infrastructure and services to run a 57-acre wholesale horticulture market at Nine Elms, Vauxhall. The 200 businesses based here range from micro-businesses employing just one individual to multi-million pound businesses for whom the Market is just one outlet: together they employ approximately 2500 people on the site. The Market has strong links with many organisations across the food chain such as wholesalers, distributors, retailers, restaurants and caterers. It also works actively to support and promote its tenants’ businesses and provides a dedicated Business Development Manager to connect local, UK and international producers with the Market. 

This is an exciting time at the Authority as it embarks on an ambitious redevelopment project, at the heart of the Nine Elms Vauxhall regeneration scheme, aimed at putting the Market on a sounder commercial footing and enabling it to operate autonomously of Government oversight. Defra’s vision for the future of New Covent Garden Market is for a sustainable food and floristry centre that meets the needs of London and its visitors. 

The Board of CGMA comprises a Chair and up to 7 other non-executive Directors or Members of the Authority. We are looking for two new Members to join the Authority. The focus of the Authority is on the effective operation and redevelopment of the Market, working in partnership with Government, and leading the Market though a period of transformational change and into a sustainable future. Members will be expected to prepare for and attend Board meetings and to draw on their specific expertise as appropriate, as well as contributing fully to discussions on all aspects of the work of the Authority. Members will be required to represent the Board on committees and with stakeholders and tenants and will be expected to attend occasional Market functions. They will need to develop good working relationships with the Authority’s executive and operational staff as well as the market traders. 

Fruit and Vegetable Supply Chain Member 

The successful candidate will be an experienced director, or equivalent, with a proven record of developing opportunities and responding to changes in supply and demand in the food industry.  He or she will have an in depth knowledge of the fruit and vegetable supply chain and trade. Knowledge of the UK horticulture trade, particularly wholesale, independent retail and food service, and its challenges would be a real benefit. Some understanding of international trade would be of value but not essential.  The Board does not get involved in the trade or commercial deals undertaken by its tenants but performs more of a facilitator role, introducing suppliers and customers to the market and its traders.  However, understanding the challenges facing both suppliers and customers will be important as the Board shapes the future strategic direction of the market; defines the support required (in particular for the smaller companies on the market); and targets the communication of the core benefits of the market to opinion formers and decision makers as well as potential and existing tenants, suppliers and customers. He or she will have demonstrated an innovative approach and vision that will help to build the Market and link it to its surrounding neighbourhoods, including a new Garden Heart, as the focus for food and flowers in London.

 Business Development and Support Member

The successful candidate for this role will be highly skilled in delivering business development and support programmes, specifically for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).  He or she will have strong commercial acumen and experience at a senior level of identifying potential growth opportunities and developing support strategies to help businesses exploit these. The successful candidate will have the ability to apply business models, systems and approaches to deliver greater commerciality and sustainability. He or she will have strong communication and analytical skills, including the ability to examine issues in an impartial way as well as stakeholder management experience. The successful candidate will draw on his or her business support skills and experience to help the businesses of the Market flourish, and to develop NCGM to become an exciting new focus for food and flowers in London.

The Government has announced its intention to disengage from public ownership of NCGM at some point in the future. In parallel with the redevelopment project to secure the long term future of the market, over the next few years Defra and the CGMA Board will consider and assess various exit strategies. Therefore, whilst not essential, experience in growing and shaping a business with a view to public disengagement, an understanding of different exit routes and experience of taking a business through such an exit process would all be valuable in either position.

For further information on either position and how to apply, please email Jacqui.poppleton@defra.gsi.gov.uk

The closing date for applications for both positions is noon on Monday 3 June.

Interviews are expected to be held in mid June.

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has published a report assessing the impact on the horticulture and food processing sectors of closing the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme and the Sectors Based Scheme.

MAC was asked to address what will happen when the present SAWS ends this year once A2 workers no longer have any restrictions on where they can work in the European Union (EU). The implicit question – for the Government, not the MAC – is whether there should be a replacement SAWS for workers from a non-EU country.

The report looks at the four main potential sources of EU labour – A2, A8, gangs and UK,  and alternatives to SAWS.

The report concludes:

‘Based on the evidence we received and our assessment of the current take-up of migrant labour in the food-processing sector through the SBS, we consider that the closure of this scheme at the end of 2013 is unlikely to have negative impacts on employers’ ability to meet their labour needs through the UK and EU labour markets.

Seasonal migrants workers recruited through the SAWS are mainly employed in horticulture. Although, numerically, they represent only around one-third of the entire seasonal agriculture workforce, they play a crucial role in providing a flexible and reliable source of labour for farmers and growers. We found little evidence that the supply of workers from Bulgaria and Romania will decline in the short-term following the closure of the current scheme at the end of 2013. However, in the medium- and longer-term, farmers are likely to experience increasing difficulties in sourcing the required level of seasonal labour from the EU (including the UK) labour market. A new source of seasonal labour is likely to be required or the horticulture sector will need to consider alternatives. It is for the Government to decide whether and how to support the horticulture sector. However, to secure long-term investments in horticulture, it would be helpful for farmers to know what the Government will do post-2013 as soon as is practicable.’

For a copy of the report see: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/aboutus/workingwithus/mac/35-mac-seasonal/migrant-seasonal-workers

Due to essential upgrades eDOMERO (the FERA database) will be unavailable for about two hours during a maintenance window between 1200-1500hrs.

Access to the PEACH system will not be affected by this downtime, but applications for product regulated by FERA will not be relayed to eDOMERO and the Plant Health traffic lights on both FERA-only and joint applications will remain grey. Clearances via ALVS will resume once the connection between PEACH and eDOMERO has been re-established.

Due to the length of this downtime manual handling procedures will not be in place. Where possible importers or their agents should aim to make applications either side of this downtime.

As far as possible the front page of PEACH will be kept updated to notify all users of these planned downtimes and will hold current information on sudden or emergency issues causing downtime to the systems. For more information see: http://ehmipeach.defra.gov.uk/

Whenever planned downtime is notified, the expectation is that the work will proceed as planned. It is sometimes the case, however, that for operational reasons the timing of the downtime is changed or the work postponed. When these timings are amended, Defra/Fera aims to advise users as soon as practical.

There will also be occasions where downtime is caused by faults to or emergency work needed on any of the various parts that contribute to the PEACH and ALVS systems. Defra/Fera will try to provide up to date information on such issues on the front page of PEACH, however if users are experiencing issues with the system please do contact the PEACH helpdesk: 0845 607 3224 or email  peachenquiries@rpa.gsi.gov.uk

The European Commission has published a report on Q4 2012 findings of controls carried out by the EU Member States on ‘high risk’ products.  The compliance rates are assessed on the number of consignments checked by authorities, with no relation to actual consignments/total volumes imported.

We understand that the Commission has decided not to provide any information on the outcome of the discussion held earlier this week on the review of Annex I products.  The Standing Committee, at which the Commission’s proposal will be tabled, will take place on 6 June.

EU RASFF - Information

EU RASFF - Border rejection

Conclusion on the peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance spinetoram

The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of spinetoram as an insecticide on grapes.

For more information see: http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/3220.htm?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=pub&utm_campaign=20130508

Conclusion on the peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance acequinocyl

The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses as an acaricide on ornamentals, apples and pears.

For more information see: http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/3212.htm?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=pub&utm_campaign=20130508

Reasoned opinion on the modification of the existing MRLs for pendimethalin in various crops

EFSA proposes to amend the existing MRLs as reported in the summary table: 

(b): MRLs proposed in the framework of the EFSA review (2012).

*indicates that the MRL is set at the limit of analytical quantification.

For more information see: http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/3217.htm?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=pub&utm_campaign=20130508

Reasoned opinion on the review of the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for dimethenamid-P

The review confirms the MRL of 0.01 (the limit of analytical quantification) for a range of fresh produce.  The proposed MRL for spring onions, lettuce and herbs requires further consideration where no CXL is available and the tentative MRL is derived from a GAP evaluated at EU level which is not supported fully by data, but for which no risk to consumers is identified.

For more information see: http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/3216.htm?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=pub&utm_campaign=20130508

Reasoned opinion on the review of the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for 1,3-dichloropropene according to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005

A decision not to include 1,3-dichloropropene in Annex I to Directive 91/414/EEC entered into force on 10 February 2011. EFSA is therefore required to provide a reasoned opinion on the review of the existing MRLs for that active substance in compliance with Article 12(1) of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005. Considering that the use of 1,3-dichloropropene is no longer authorised within the European Union and that no import tolerances were notified by the designated rapporteur Member State (Spain), EFSA based its assessment mainly on the conclusions derived by EFSA in the framework of Directive 91/414/EEC.

For more information see: http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/3221.htm?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=pub&utm_campaign=20130508

Reasoned opinion on the review of the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for dichlobenil according to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005

According to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has reviewed the Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) currently established at European level for the pesticide active substance dichlobenil. Considering that this active substance is no longer authorised within the European Union, that no MRLs are established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, and that no import tolerances were notified to EFSA, residues of dichlobenil are not expected to occur in any plant or animal commodity. Available data were also not sufficient to derive a residue definition or an LOQ for enforcement against potential illegal uses for the time being but this assessment may be reconsidered when the future review of MRLs for fluopicolide under the aforementioned regulation (EC) No 396/2005 will be carried out because fluopicolide is an authorised pesticide active substance generating a metabolite common to dichlobenil.

For more information see: http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/3218.htm?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=pub&utm_campaign=20130508

The European Commission has published its package of revised EU legislation on plant health, animal health and plant reproductive material. In revising the sector specific regulations, the Commission aims to strip out all generic sections which relate to the general management of official controls, which will remain in the revised regulation 882/2004. This will include definitions, imports, financing of controls, certification, official laboratories, planning and reporting.

The legislative ‘safer food chain’ package, following European Parliament and Council approval, will cut down existing food safety laws in five pieces of legislation to ease compliance with controls, inspections and tests. The regulations are expected to be put together for 2016.

FPC has been involved in the pre-consultation on the EU Plant Health review which forms part of the package and has had an initial discussion with the Food Standards Agency with regard to potential changes to the overarching Official Food and Feeds Regulation. 

FPC has lobbied vigorously for a risk-based approach to EU regulation including regionalisation and a shift of inspection effort from fresh produce to plants and propagating material.  We are delighted that the Commission has confirmed that it will take on board industry recommendations as part of the package to update plant health regulation.  The jury is still out on how far they will take this, and we continue to have discussions with both Fera and the Food Standards Agency on how the regulations will be implemented in practice.

The Commission is packaging the reduction in overall regulations as a benefit in terms of potentially reducing costs and spreading them across the supply chain.  However, there is a commitment by the Commission to achieve full cost recovery which could pose significant increases in charges for regulatory controls across the board. We have raised concerns about the potential impact on the industry, and will be providing further details as they become available and consulting with members in due course.

For more details on the regulations see:

Plant Health

Plant reproductive material

Official controls