Regional Government reinforces phytosanitary control against threat of allegedly contaminated Asian seeds entering the Azores
The Regional Director for Agriculture stated that phytosanitary control has been reinforced in the Azores to prevent the unwanted entry of allegedly contaminated seeds from Asian countries, guaranteeing that no cases have yet been reported to the competent authorities in the Region.
“In view of the warning issued this week by the Ministry of Agriculture regarding the delivery of unsolicited Asian seed packages, via postal services, the Regional Government has decided to reinforce phytosanitary control in the Region as a precautionary measure," said José Élio Ventura. In this context, the government official urged farmers or any other citizen to immediately contact the Regional Plant Health Laboratory in the event of receiving should they receive suspicious mail.
The Regional Director stressed that compliance with the Phytosanitary Prospecting Plan for Harmful Organisms in the Autonomous Region of the Azores is of paramount importance for maintaining the status of a protected zone regarding some pests, diseases and invasive plants existing outside the archipelago. Additionally, it contributes to the rapid monitoring and identification of new harmful organisms that, if established, will pose a threat to agricultural and forestry crops in the archipelago.
“It is important to highlight that we have set up a tight control network on the ground in coordination between the technicians of the Regional Plant Health Laboratory, postal services and the customs posts, so as to control products from third countries entering the Azores. In the event of suspicious situations arising from the improper introduction of seeds, plants or other plant products, we will be able to take action immediately and proactively," said José Élio Ventura.