Yet again another extension between Canada and Italy, only this time it's the turn of plums. Italian exports to Canada may continue during season 2016/17, but negotiations between the phytosanitary services of the two countries will continue efforts to reach a final protocol.
Once more, the problem is due to Lobesia botrana, which, though it can affect grapes, does not present as great a danger for kiwifruit and plums. Canadian phytosanitary authorities have anyway required scientific tests, as well as a new protocol for 2017/18.
"Exports should be fully unblocked after inspections and certifications provided by Regional phytosanitary services. Negotiations are underway to draft agreements for the next campaign. We are focusing on traceability and integrated control," explains Stefano Boncompagni, manager of the Emilia-Romagna phytosanitary service.
In this case too, integrated control offers a lot of guarantees, especially since it is carried out by 99.9% of Italian organisations.
Canada is currently reviewing directive D-13-03. The updated version will be supplied to exporter countries through a WTO notification, which will also include requirements for kiwi and other plants potentially under threat by the insect. Inspections will be carried out by Cfia.
