SENASA, Argentina's national food safety and quality agency, has established requirements for the importation of blueberry plants from Spain.

The Peruvian National Agricultural Health Service (Senasa) has published the mandatory phytosanitary requirements for importing blueberry plants (Vaccinium spp.) from Spain, according to Directorial Resolution No. D000038-2024-MIDAGRI-SENASA-DSV.

Key requirements: - Phytosanitary Permit: The importer must obtain this from Senasa before shipment from Spain. - Nursery List: Each season, the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA) will send a list of authorized nurseries. - Phytosanitary Certification: The shipment must be accompanied by an official certificate from the country of origin, guaranteeing inspection free of diseases and pests such as Xylella fastidiosa, Pseudomonas syringae, and Phytophthora spp.. - Pre-shipment Treatment: Plants must be treated with products like Imidacloprid and Mefenoxan between 7 and 14 days before shipment.

Inspections and Quarantine: - The shipment will be inspected at the point of entry into Peru, and samples will be sent to the Plant Health Diagnostic Center for analysis. - The importer will cover the cost of the diagnosis. - Plants will be in post-entry quarantine for 16 months, with five mandatory inspections and a final inspection to decide their fate.

Senasa may conduct audits at exporting nurseries, in collaboration with Spanish authorities, to ensure compliance with regulations. This process guarantees the health of plant material and protects Peruvian agriculture.

Source: simfruit.cl, senasa.gob.pe Photo: blog.agroptima.com