Since the 1970s, imports of plants have been subject to risk-based checks, in order to prevent plant diseases from entering Europe. That approach has now been thrown into doubt.

In an agreement that the European Parliament is expected to adopt, there is also the possibility for countries to draw up lists of plants and plant material that will not permitted to enter European Union without taking into account the impact of threat. Huitema suggests that this could result in “opening the door for randomness and protectionism.”

He added, “We should not frustrate the import, which enters Europe on a large scale through Dutch ports and airports. The measures, which we want to adopt, are disproportional to the risks. The idea that we can limit a disease or a pest from spreading by preventing plants coming from third countries into Europe is nonsense.”

Source: FloralDaily