D-96-16

File
3525-11F1/FU5
3525-11F1/FU5-0

I. SUBJECT

This directive contains the conditions that permit the importation of fresh grapes from Uruguay.

Importation may begin immediately, but is subject to a trial period effective immediately and ending March 31, l998. If the trial shipment period is completed successfully, importation may continue after the trial period, without further notice from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).

If, however, problems are encountered during the trial shipment period, such as the discovery of quarantine pests, improper documentation, or failure to meet other requirements, importation may be suspended.

II. BACKGROUND

Until now, fresh grapes from Uruguay have not been permitted entry into Canada. This is consistent with the policy that prohibits fresh temperate fruits from new sources until a pest risk analysis has been completed. This analysis has been completed and the Plant Protection Division of AAFC has concluded that the importation of fresh grapes from Uruguay may be permitted, provided Uruguay meets the requirements described in this directive to minimize pest risk.

The pests regulated by this directive cause damage resulting in yield and quality losses, and their introduction to Canadian vineyards might necessitate an increased cost of production through the increased use of controls.

III. LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

The Plant Protection Act, S.C. 1990, c 22
The Plant Protection Regulations, SOR/95-212
The Plant Protection Fees Regulations, SOR/95-218

IV. REGULATED COMMODITIES

All varieties of fresh grapes (Vitis spp.)

V. REGULATED PESTS

The following quarantine pests are regulated by Canada:

Anthracnose (Elsinoe ampelina)
Fruit tree weevil (Naupactus xanthographus)
Phomopsis cane & leaf spot (Phomopsis viticola)
White rot (Coniella diplodiella)

Anthracnose is a fungus which causes stunted growth and can severely reduce yield. It causes perforating lesions on the leaves, cankers on the shoots, and grey, sunken circular spots on the berries, which eventually dry out.

Naupactus xanthographus is a weevil which causes root pruning in the larval stage and damage to buds, leaves and fruit surfaces during the adult stage.

Infection by phomopsis cane & leaf spot fungus results in reduced growth, deformation or death of the shoot, and a soft rot of the fruit. Overall, infection can cause losses of up to 30% in cool wet seasons.

White rot is a fungus which causes loss of fruit and woody tissues. Damaged shoots result in a significant loss of wood intended for use as rootstocks and reduces the percentage of successful grafts. Damage may result in losses of 20 to 80% in areas where hail storms are prevalent.

VI. IMPORT REQUIREMENTS

A. CONDITIONS:

Grapes grown in Uruguay must meet the following conditions to enter Canada:

1. the grapes must originate from vineyards approved for export to Canada by the Servico Proteccion Agricultura of Uruguay where cultural practices and chemical controls are carried out to ensure freedom from the quarantine fungal pests, AND
2. the grapes must be post-harvest inspected for freedom from quarantine fungal pests, AND
3. the grapes must be fumigated with methyl bromide for the fruit tree weevil, Naupactus xanthographus, according to the schedule in Appendix 1, AND
4. shipments must be free of pests, soil, sand, leaves, and plant debris, including woody materials, except stems of fruit.

B. PERMIT TO IMPORT:

A Permit to Import from the Plant Protection Division of AAFC is not required.

C. PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATE:

1. A Phytosanitary Certificate is required. This document must be issued by the Department of Servicio Proteccion Agricultura of Uruguay within 14 days prior to shipment from Uruguay and must accompany the shipment to Canada.
2. The following additional declaration is required: "The material was inspected and found free of anthracnose (Elsinoe ampelina), phomopsis cane & leaf spot (Phomopsis viticola), white rot (Coniella diplodiella) and treated to kill fruit tree weevil (Naupactus xanthographus).

   Fumigation details must appear in the treatment box of the certificate, including temperature, rate and # hours of exposure, in accordance with the requirements in Appendix 1.

VII. INSPECTION PROCEDURES

Shipments may be subject to inspection and sampling on arrival to determine if pests are present. If a shipment is inspected, a representative sample of 5% of the contents will be randomly selected, at the inspector's discretion, and examined. If pests are found, or evidence of pest activity, in the initial 5% sample, a second sample of the same size may be randomly selected and examined. If pests are found, samples may be sent for laboratory identification, and the shipment held pending the results.

AAFC inspectors should:

1. verify that the Phytosanitary Certificate conforms to the requirements specified under Section VI. Import Requirements of this directive;
2. that the treatment carried out, as recorded in the treatment box of the Phytosanitary Certificate, conforms to the requirements prescribed in Appendix 1;
3. examine shipments for freedom from pests, soil, sand, leaves, and plant debris, including woody material except grape stems;
4. inspect according to the general instructions in the Plant Protection Import Inspection Manual for fresh fruit, Section 4.02.04 and pest fact sheets for the regulated pests;
5. take specimens of any pests found and submit them for identification, according to the instructions in the Plant Protection Import Inspection Manual, Sections 4.02.04 and 4.11.

VIII. NON-COMPLIANCE

Shipments must meet all requirements when they reach first point of arrival in Canada.

Shipments may be refused entry and returned to origin or disposed of if they do not meet requirements or if they are found to be infested with any quarantine pests. If determined feasible by the inspector, such shipments may be rerouted to other destinations, or diverted to approved processing facilities, provided such a course of action does not cause unwarranted pest risk.

The discovery of living stages of any quarantine pest(s) in any shipment may result in suspension of the importation program until remedial action is taken at origin.

The importer is responsible for any and all costs relating to disposal, removal, rerouting or diversion to processing facilities, including costs incurred by AAFC to monitor the action taken.

The Plant Protection Division will advise the Servicio Proteccion Agricultura of Uruguay of any pest interceptions and of non-compliance with any conditions outlined in this directive.

IX. TRIAL IMPORTATIONS

The trial importation period is effective immediately and will continue until March 31, l998.

This period is required in order to evaluate the ability of the exporting country to meet requirements under varying conditions over a period of time extending more than one growing season.

During the trial period, the Servicio Proteccion Agricultura of Uruguay must send a copy of the Phytosanitary Certificate by facsimile at least three (3) days prior to the arrival of the shipment in Canada to the appropriate regional plant health office of AAFC.

X. OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Other Canadian import requirements, in addition to those stated above, include:

1. chemical residue standards as established under the Food and Drug Regulations,
2. licencing and inspection requirements as established under the Licencing and Arbitration Regulations under the Canada Agricultural Products Act,
3. quality, packaging and labelling requirements as established under the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Regulations under the Canada Agricultural Products Act, and
4. packaging and labelling requirements as established under the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act and Regulations.

It is the importer's responsibility to know and satisfy these requirements.

Questions and requests for information on any requirements should be directed to local Food Production and Inspection Offices of AAFC.

XI. FEES

As of May 1, l995, fees are being charged for Permits to Import, verification of import documents and product inspection in accordance with the Plant Protection Fees Regulations. Importers requiring more information on fees may contact any local Food Production and Inspection offices of AAFC.

XII. LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix l: Treatment Schedule for Grapes for Fruit Tree Weevil, Naupactus xanthographus

Dr. J.E. Hollebone
Director
Plant Protection Division

Attachment