AgroPages-EU earmarks €11.5 mn for plant pests survey programmes-Agricultural news

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The EU has committed close to €11.5 million to support the survey programmes for plant pests in 22 Member States in 2016.

A large part of the budget (about 15%) will be dedicated to the survey of Xylella fastidiosa, one of the most dangerous plant bacterium worldwide which since 2013 has been affecting olive trees in Apulia (Italy). The bacterium was also found in Corsica and in the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (France) in 2015. An equally high budget allocation will be used for the survey of Pinewood Nematode, a microscopic worm attacking coniferous trees which could lead to the devastation of Europe's pine forests.

Since 2015, the EU supports the implementation of survey programmes in Member States in view of contributing to a high level of health for plants along the food chain. Timely identification of plant pests at national level and detection of new emerging risks ensures the possibility of early and appropriate action against pests, with high economic and environmental benefits.