Brussels, 20/05/2015 (Agence Europe) - After a rather heated debate at the end of April, the European Parliament adopted a common resolution on Wednesday 20 May in Strasbourg by the EPP, S&D, ALDE and ECR (507 votes for, 115 against, with 37 abstentions) calling for further measures to prevent the spread of the Xylella fastidiosa bacterium destroying olive trees in Italy (see EUROPE 11306).
Xylella fastidiosa is an immediate and very dangerous threat to the production of certain crops in southern Europe, particularly to olive, almond and peach trees and ornamental plants. The bacterium is also a potential threat to vines, citrus fruits and other crops, which the EP says could lead to “unprecedented and devastating losses, with dramatic economic, environmental and social consequences”. It pointed out, however, that the strain infecting olive trees in the Apulia region is different from the isolates causing disease in grapevine or citrus in other parts of the world.
Olive production is one of the Apulia region's most important agricultural sectors, accounting for 11.6% (€522 million) of the total value of agricultural production in the region and 30% of the value of Italian olive production in 2013.
The EP is calling on the Commission to take targeted measures against Xylella fastidiosa in order to prevent the import of infected material into the EU; welcomes the decision taken in April 2015 by the Commission (see EUROPE 11305) to stop imports of infected coffee plants from Costa Rica and Honduras, and the restrictions adopted in respect of plant imports from affected areas in other third countries; asks for the application, if necessary, of stronger measures, including the authorisation of imports from pest-free production sites only.
The EP regrets the fact that very often the Commission does not react quickly enough to prevent the entry into the EU of plant diseases from third countries; urges the Commission, therefore, to verify the source of the infection and to review the implementation of the EU official phytosanitary control system in order to protect and safeguard our territory from Xylella fastidiosa.
The Commission is urged, especially in view of the onset of summer, to take effective measures to avoid the spread of Xylella fastidiosa within the EU, in particular by targeting the crops most at risk, while not neglecting other crops that could also be seriously affected by the disease.
Compensation. The Commission and member states are requested to compensate producers for eradication measures and loss of revenue - which involves losses in terms not only of agricultural production but also of cultural heritage, history and tourism-related activities. In this connection it asks the Commission and the relevant authorities “to make use of all possible funds and instruments” to assist the economic recovery of the affected areas (the Commission is also requested to identify incentives for producers implementing preventive measures).
According to the EP, the Commission must ensure that sufficient financial and human resources are available to implement the relevant strategies, including financial support for farmers to apply appropriate agricultural practices for the management of Xylella fastidiosa and its vectors. It also urges the Commission to promote intensified research efforts without delay, including through increased international networking and by making funds available for research institutes.
MEPs also underline the need to run information campaigns in potentially affected areas of the EU in order to sensitise those involved not only in the agricultural sector but also in the horticultural sector, including retailers of ornamental plants, professional gardeners and their customers.
The EP calls for greater means to be made available to ensure the detection of harmful organisms at points of entry into the EU; furthermore, encourages the Member States to increase the number of regular inspections with a view to preventing the spread of Xylella fastidiosa outside the demarcated areas.
The Commission is also urged to provide an open database, with a list of institutions and competent authorities at EU and Member State level, for the exchange of information and experience, including best practices, as well as for rapid alerting of the competent authorities and the taking of necessary measures and that it draws up detailed guidelines for implementing prevention measures and tackling the disease by clearly explaining their scope and duration and to which the authorities and appropriate authorities in the member states can refer. (Lionel Changeur)