EU plant health proposals headed in the right direction says HTA
The HTA welcomes much of what is contained in EU proposals published this week regarding plant health, plant reproductive material and official controls although more work is needed in some areas. The proposed regulations are part of a package of measures adopted by the European Commission aimed at modernising and simplifying the agri-food chain.
Speaking after the launch of the package, HTA Director of Business Development, Tim Briercliffe, said: “The HTA is pleased to see that some of our key lobbying objectives have been already been recognised in the package of measures just published. These include: those involved in transporting plants for growers will not be required to register under the plant health regulation; recognition that replacement plant passports can be issued to maintain commercially sensitive information; exceptions meaning that plant passports are not required for the final user; and some lessening of the requirements for the passport itself.
"We recognise that more work needs to be done as negotiations continue. Not least in fully understanding the possible implications for traditional varieties, plant reproductive material for gardeners, small markets and labelling of forest reproductive material. To that end the HTA will be meeting with other stakeholders and Defra shortly. The European Commission has said it wants to modernise and simplify the current system. We must make sure that there are no harmful unintended consequences.”
The package of measures published by the European Commission will now be considered by Member States, the European Parliament, European Council and others. It is intended that the Regulations will come into force in 2016.
