Following the consultation on the development of a UK policy position for managing the tomato pest tuta absoluta, the Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera) has advised that it will continue with national measures which will be reviewed in a maximum of two years' time.
According to the agency, interceptions and outbreaks of the pest in the UK have been dealt with effectively since the first discovery last summer, thanks to rapid action by the Plant Health & Seeds Inspectorate and good co-operation from all sectors of the industry.
Action will continue to be taken against findings in imports and at growers’ premises, aiming at eradication, but Fera does not plan on requesting protected zone status because of the high costs associated with it.
Fera said it will continue to allow sorting at a level that can be achieved by the industry, while minimising the risk of spread on tomato fruit being moved.
The Fresh Produce Consortium said in a statement: “It is vital that all sectors of the industry follow Fera’s advice to ensure that this pest is contained and eradicated and that we avoid the potential imposition of plant health passports for tomatoes.”
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