Regulation

HTA calls for urgent resolve of plant consignments held at Sevington Border Control

In response to multiple plant consignments held at Sevington BCP, the HTA has released a statement as they continue to help those affected and engage directly with Defra and APHA.

parked trucks

Defra has blocked trucks at Sevington after a suspected outbreak of the damaging (fruit) tree pest, pochazia shantungensis in Italy. The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) are actively investigating the details of the causes and have called for urgent responses from authorities for those involved and the wider industry.

Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Public Affairs, HTA said: “We have sought to establish the details of the causes and the situation on the ground while requesting urgent communications from authorities to those involved and the wider industry. We understand the issues have arisen following an outbreak in Pistoia, Italy of Pochazia shantungensis, a cicada with a large host range, which is a quarantine pest in the UK. While importers have been awaiting test results, we have been explicit with the authorities to ensure clear communications are given to all involved in this specific issue, including the test details.

We have made it clear that delays like this with no communication are completely unacceptable. They must ensure that the industry has detailed and timely communication in the future, should such a situation occur. We seek to support and provide further updates as soon as possible. We engage with Defra on a daily basis, both on immediate border issues and on the longer-term ambitions for cross-border plant trade.”

Any HTA member businesses impacted are invited to contact the HTA for support at policy@hta.org.uk