Plants > Plant Protection Policy Directives > Horticulture 

Subject

We wish to advise that, effective July 1, 1994, the importation of all propagative material of Ribes spp. (currants and gooseberries) from Europe will be prohibited. These include both fruit-producing and ornamental varieties.

Table of Contents

Review
Endorsement
Amendment Record
Distribution
Introduction
Scope

1.0 General Requirements
1.1 Legislative Authority
1.2 Fees

2.0 Policy

Review

This directive will be reviewed every 2 years unless otherwise needed. The next review date for this directive is June 12, 2008. The contact for this directive is Joanne Rousson. For further information or clarification, please contact the Horticulture Section.

Endorsement

Approved by:

Amendment Record

Amendments of this directive will be dated and distributed as outlined in the distribution below.

Distribution

1. Directive mail list (Regions, PHRA, USDA)
2. Provincial Government, Industry (via Regions)
3. National Industry Organizations (determined by Author)
4. Internet

Introduction

Scope

This directive is intended for use by those wishing to import propagative material of Ribes spp. From Europe into Canada. This directive is also intended for the use of the CFIA inspection staff, the Canada Border Services Agency in order to determine what the requirements are for this commodity to enter Canada.

This directive replaces D-94-18 dated 94/06/07

1.0 General Requirements

1.1 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 1 (05/13/2000)

1.2 Fees

The CFIA is charging fees in accordance with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Fees Notice. For information regarding fees associated with imported product, please contact the Import Service Centres (ISC) at the following phone numbers: Eastern ISC 1-877-493-0468; Central ISC 1-800-835-4486; Western ISC 1-888-732-6222. Anyone requiring other information regarding fees may contact any local CFIA office or Canadian Food Inspection Agency Fees Notice website.

2.0 Policy

Commercial importation of propagative material from all off-continent sources will require prior approval from this Division. Importation of small quantities for research and breeding purposes will require special permits, with quarantine conditions stipulated by this Division.

This prohibition is necessary to prevent the introduction into Canada of a serious disease of black currants, the Black Currant Reversion disease. This disease, which can cause a complete loss of the crop, does not exist in Canada. In addition, if it is introduced into Canada, exports to the US, our principal market for propagative material of Ribes spp, would be put in jeopardy.

The US already prohibits importation of propagative material from Europe. The disease has become an enormous problem in Germany and Poland, traditionally the largest producers in Europe.

The Plant Health Division would consider permitting the resumption of import from any European source if there are satisfactory measures implemented by the source country to remove this pest risk to Canada. Any discussion for the possible resumption of import should be initiated by the plant protection authority of the exporting country.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation to keep this serious disease of currants out of Canada.