D-94-26

I. SUBJECT

This directive prescribes phytosanitary import requirements for edible roots from all countries, for consumption and processing.

Requirements for root crops for propagation, and for ginseng and potatoes are not included in this directive.

This directive is effective immediately and supersedes all previous documents on this subject, including Permit Letter 7, entitled "Notice to the Importer - Plant Health Requirements: Importation of Edible Roots" (12/11/87).

II. BACKGROUND

Edible roots and other plant parts grown below ground, are regulated by the Plant Health Division of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to minimize the chances of introducing plant pests associated with soil which may be adhering to roots. Rootcrops from off-continent sources must be completely free of soil because of the large number of plant pests associated with soil. This condition also applies to rootcrops from specified areas of New York State because of the presence of Golden Nematode (Heterodera rostochiensis) in those areas.

The following change in policy has been made in this directive:

A phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration for Colorado Potato Beetle is no longer required for rootcrops destined for Newfoundland. This is based on a Pest Risk Assessment, which indicated that Colorado Potato Beetle is not likely to be transported on rootcrops. Action will be taken, however, if the beetle is found.

III. LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

The Plant Protection Act, s.c. 1990, c. 22
The Plant Protection Regulations, SOR/95-212
Canadian Food Inspection Agency Fees Notice, Canada Gazette, Part I (05/13/2000)

IV. REGULATED COMMODITIES

Edible roots are defined, for the purposes of this directive, as roots and other plant parts (e.g. tuber) grown below ground for consumption or processing, which are in a raw or unprocessed state. Edible roots include roots from temperate climate zones (e.g. sugar beets, carrots, rutabagas, turnips, beets, parsnips, mangels, radishes, horseradish, and chicory root) as well as from tropical climate zones (e.g. cassava, taro, ginger root, and yam). Examples of other below-ground plant parts include truffles, mushrooms, onions, garlic, shallots, and peanuts.

Note: The requirements for ginseng and potatoes are described in other directives.

V. REGULATED PEST(S)

There are many pests associated with soil. Some of these are:

Apple maggot Rhagoletis pomonella
Columbia root-knot nematode Meloidogyne chitwoodi
Golden nematode Globodera rostochiensis
Japanese beetle Popillia japonica
Potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida
Potato wart disease Synchytrium endobioticum
Soybean cyst nematode Heterodera glycines

VI. IMPORT REQUIREMENTS

Roots not completely cleaned of soil may enter Canada from continental U.S., except from specified areas of New York State, without a permit. A phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration for soil pests is required, however, from certain states of continental U.S. From specified areas of New York State, off-continent U.S. and all other countries, roots not completely cleaned of soil are prohibited.

Roots completely cleaned of soil may enter Canada from continental U.S., with the exception of certain areas of New York State, without a Permit to Import or a Phytosanitary Certificate. From specified areas of New York State, off-continent U.S. and all other countries, a Permit to Import is required.

VII. NON-COMPLIANCE

Consignments must meet all requirements when they reach first point of arrival in Canada. Consignments will be refused entry, and returned to origin or disposed of, if they do not meet requirements or are found infested with any pests of quarantine concern. Those infested with pests may be ordered treated prior to disposal in order to prevent pest spread. The importer is responsible for all costs relating to treatment, disposal or removal.

VIII. DEFINITIONS

PERMIT TO IMPORT: The document issued by the Plant Health Division authorizing importation. The permit must be obtained by the importer prior to importation. Requirements specified on the permit or in the documents accompanying the permit must be met.

PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATE: The document issued by an authorized official in the country of origin of the plant material that certifies that the plant material described was inspected and is free from quarantine pests and practically free from other injurious pests. It must be issued within l4 days prior to shipment and accompany the plant material. Phytosanitary Certificates are addressed to the Plant Health Division of Canada and must only be issued if the plant material conforms to Canada's current phytosanitary requirements.

"SOIL OR SIMILAR MATERIALS" refers to the following material: soil, sand, earth, compost, humus, manure (decomposed or unprocessed), muck, peat, plant litter, and plant debris.

IX. LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix I - Edible Root Import requirements
Appendix II - Distribution of Golden Nematode in the United States (U.S.)

W.T. Bradnock
Director

APPENDIX I

Import Requirements for Edible Roots for Consumption or Processing

1. Including the state of Hawaii, and territories of Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands of the USA

APPENDIX II

COUNTIES IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK REGULATED FOR GOLDEN NEMATODE (Globodera rostochiensis)

Cayuga County (township of Montezuma only)

Genesee County (townships of Elba and Byron only)

Livingston County (townships of Avon, Caledonia, Geneseo, Groveland, Leicester, Lima, Livonia, Mount Morris, York and West Sparta only);

Nassau County;

Orleans County (townships of Barre and Clarendon only);

Seneca County (Tyre township only);

Suffolk County;

Steuben County (townships of Conocton, Dansville, Prattsburg and Wheeler only);

Wayne County (Savannah township only)