Europatat, along with other stakeholders, voices apprehension regarding proposed amendments to the Plant Reproductive Material (PRM) regulations in the European Parliament. The amendments, if passed, could impact the integrity of the EU PRM market by allowing uncontrolled movement of PRM material without proper oversight, potentially risking plant health and market stability.
In a recent development, the European Potato Trade Association (Europatat) has expressed significant concerns over the draft report on Plant Reproductive Material (PRM) set for a vote in the European Parliament’s Plenary. This report, originating from the Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI Committee), contains amendments that have sparked apprehension among stakeholders, particularly in the agricultural sector.
Peter Ton, Chair of the Europatat Seed Potato Commission, underscores the critical difference between various types of PRM, stressing the need for distinct handling procedures. He emphasizes the higher risk associated with seed potatoes, especially in terms of spreading plant diseases during long-distance transport. These concerns have prompted Europatat to advocate for a reconsideration of the proposed amendments to safeguard the integrity of the PRM market.
In response to these worries, a coalition of stakeholders representing the PRM sector and its users in the EU has issued a joint statement. The signatories, including prominent organizations like Copa-Cogeca, Euroseeds, and Europatat, highlight the importance of maintaining the balance achieved in the original proposal from the European Commission. They caution against the potential establishment of a parallel, uncontrolled market that could undermine sustainability efforts and food security in Europe.
In conclusion, Europatat urges the European Parliament’s Plenary to revisit the proposed amendments and align with the original proposal from the European Commission to avert potential crises in the future.
