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EU and UK : notification of changes to plant protection product (PPP) approvals - April-June 2022
Following the departure of the UK from the EU, COLEACP’s monitoring of pesticide regulations now covers both EU and GB approval changes, enabling us to keep COLEACP members and partner-beneficiaries up-to-date.The European Commission (EC) has recently issued notification of changes to plant protection product (PPP) approvals within the EU, some of which are important for ACP horticulture. These include: Approval of Beauveria bassiana strain 203 Approval of Spodoptera exigua multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (SeMNPV), isolate BV-0004 as a low-risk substance Renewal of approval of bifenazate Non-approval of 1,3-dichloropropene and chloropicrin Changes of the conditions of approval of sulfoxaflor Changes of the conditions of approval of paraffin oils (CAS No 64742-46-7, 72623-86-0, 97862-82-3) Expiry of Isopyrazam approval period Notification to the WTO of changes to the conditions of approval of penflufen Great Britain (GB) recently approved the substance cinmethylin. How will ACP producers/exporters be affected? Non-approval, withdrawal of approval, or expiration of approval mean that EU/GB maximum residue levels (MRLs) are likely to be reduced to the limit of determination (LoD) which, in most cases, will mean that they can no longer be used on crops for export to the respective countries. What should ACP producers/exporters do now? If you currently use 1,3-dichloropropene, chloropicrin or isopyrazam on crops destined for the EU market, you need to ensure that current uses allow you to comply with EU MRLs, or start looking for alternatives. If this is likely to cause you significant problems, and you fear being left without effective and available alternatives, please contact COLEACP at: network@coleacp.org.We will keep you informed as more information becomes available. In this Flash Info, ‘key active substances’ refers to those used/registered in one or more ACP country on horticultural crops that are frequently exported regionally or internationally.While COLEACP makes every effort to provide comprehensive information about EU and GB PPP regulatory changes, it is possible that some PPPs or crops relevant to you are not included in our list of key substances/crops. We recommend therefore that you review the following section, which details all the changes made so far in 2022, to check for any others that could affect you. If you see any PPP that you use on crops for export to the EU or GB, we recommend that you check the regulation itself using the link provided. Changes of approval in the EU Beauveria bassiana strain 203 Beauveria bassiana is a naturally occuring fungal parasite used to control various pests on a wide range of crops.The European Commission (EC) has published Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/501 approving the use of Beauveria bassiana strain 203 in the EU. Spodoptera exigua multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (SeMNPV), isolate BV-0004 Spodoptera exigua nucleopolyhedrovirus is a virus widespread in nature and used to control armyworms on horticultural crops.The European Commission (EC) has published Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/496 approving Spodoptera exigua multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (SeMNPV), isolate BV-0004 as a low-risk substance for use in the EU. Bifenazate Bifenazate is an effective pesticide for phytophagous mite control (spider mites, six-spotted spider mite, etc.) used in particular on avocado, curcubits, apples & pears, quince, eggplants, cucumbers, watermelon, strawberries and tomatoes.The European Commission (EC) has published Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/698 renewing the approval of bifenazate. New expriration date was set to 30 June 2037. 1,3-dichloropropene 1,3-dichloropropene is a soil nematicide used pre-planting as a fumigant to control soil-borne pests and for suppressing weed seed germination.1,3-dichloropropene is currently not approved in the EU. Following submission and review of the registration dossier, the data provided was deemed not sufficient and EFSA was not able to finalize the risk assessment for this product. The decision was therefore taken not to approve 1,3-dichloropropene for use in the EU (Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/740).In ACP countries this decision only concerns the use of 1,3-dichloropropene on crops that are exported to the EU, where growers will have to comply with the EU MRLs at the limit of determination (0.01 mg/kg).It is possible that this decision could be changed if a further application for the approval of 1,3-dichloropropene in the EU is submitted. Chloropicrin Chloropicrin is a pre-plant soil fumigant used to control soil borne fungi, diseases and nematodes. It is also a fumigant insecticide used in a wide variety of crops (strawberries, peppers, onions, curcubits, tomatoes, ornamentals, nursery stock, tree crops, olives). Pests controlled include caterpillars, aphids, scale insects, spidermites, whiteflies and nematodes.Chloropicrin is currently not approved in the EU. Following submission and review of the registration dossier, the data provided was deemed not sufficient, and EFSA was not able to finalize the risk assessment for this product. It was therefore decided not to approve chloropicrin for use in the EU (Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/751).In ACP countries this decision only concerns the use of chloropicrin on crops exported to the EU, where growers will have to comply with the EU MRLs at the limit of determination (0.01-0.005 mg/kg).It is possible that this decision could be changed if a further application for the approval of chloropicrin in the EU is submitted. Sulfoxaflor The European Commission (EC) has published Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/686 regarding the conditions of approval of sulfoxaflor.Using the data provided by the manufacturer, EFSA was not able to assess the risk for bumble bees and solitary bees for outdoor uses. In light of all the available pertinent information, it was considered inappropriate to maintain the approval of the active substance for outdoor use at this time. As of 19 May 2022, the use of sulfoxaflor in the EU will be restricted only to uses in permanent greenhouses.At the present time, this change only affects uses of sulfoxaflor within the EU. It does not concern crops for export in ACP countries. Paraffin oils (CAS No 64742-46-7, 72623-86-0, 97862-82-3) Paraffin oils are used in the field and under glass to control sucking and chewing insects on fruit and other crops (vines, ornamentals). They are also used as a commodity chemical and as an adjuvant. Pest controlled include in particular scale, mites and thrips.The European Commission (EC) has published Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/800 autorising the use as a fungicide in addition to the uses as an insecticide and acaricide in the EU. Isopyrazam Isopyrazam is a persisent and broad spectrum fungicide for use on cereals and other crops (including banana, vegetables, ornamentals and various speciality crops) to control Septoria tritici, rusts, Black sigatoka (banana leaf spot disease), scab, powdery mildews and Alternaria.The European Commission (EC) has published Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/782 withdrawing the approval of this product in the EU (date into force: 6 june 2022).It is expected that the EC will lower the MRLs of this substance at the end of the grace period (8 December 2022). No information has yet been published by the EC, but COLEACP will issue an update as soon as more details become available. Changes of approval in GB Cinmethylin In May 2022, cinmethylin was approved for use in GB. The regulation entered into force on 7 June 2022. Cinmethylin is a selective, pre-emergence herbicide used mainly for rice and cereal crops. This change was coupled with the review of MRLs on various commodities (GB MRL 2022/008), and values were maintained at the limit of determination (0.01 mg/kg). All PPP approval changes introduced in 2022 Table 1 shows all changes to PPP approvals so far introduced in the EU and GB in 2022.If you require additional information, or face particular problems as a result of these changes, please contact COLEACP at: network@coleacp.org. Further proposed approval change Table 2 presents WTO notifications of a Draft Regulation that contains some active substance approvals with a potential impact on ACP horticulture products.Table 2. World Trade Organization (WTO) notifications of Draft Regulation (European Union (EU) and Great Britain (GB)) concerning active substance approvals, potentially affecting horticulture products
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Support project for agro-ecological transition/DEFIA: training of Beninese relay experts
As part of the project to support the agro-ecological transition of the pineapple sector in Benin, COLEACP organised a training for trainers’ session from 27 June to 9 July 2022 in Cotonou.Sixteen experts took part in the session, which is the second of a three-phase training cycle aiming to strengthen the skills of relay experts on technical and pedagogical subjects so that they can subsequently support DEFIA's partner groups in their agro-ecological transition projects.This second session aimed to build participants' capacity on the concept of agro-ecology, and to show them the key processes that can be fostered in order to initiate change in one or more directions; then, through the analysis of concrete examples, to enable them to understand how this knowledge can be used to design production systems/technical itineraries that meet the objectives of sustainable development and the main principles of agro-ecology as defined by the FAO, CIDSE and IPES FOOD.Through the project, COLEACP intends to facilitate reflection and initiate a process of agro-ecological transition of the sustainable production system for the pineapple sector in Benin, by providing Beninese operators with qualified service providers in key areas such as agro-ecological practices, preservation and restoration of soil fertility, crop associations, etc.This activity was organised within the framework of the "Support project for the agro-ecological transition of the pineapple sector in Benin", financed by ENABEL through its programme Development of Entrepreneurship in Agricultural Sectors (DEFIA) and implemented by COLEACP.
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Fit For Market Plus – apply now for programme support
In total, close to a 1000 participants attended six regional events and the intra-ACP official launch event for the new FFM + programme. These events were the opportunity to present the rational behind the programme, to detail foreseen activities for stakeholders from the ACP horticultural sector, and to explain how to access support. Funded by the EU and the OACPS (25 Million EUR over a period of 5 years), this new programme aims to mitigate the impacts of Covid-19 by strengthening the sustainability of the ACP horticultural sector. Partner beneficiaries can now submit their applications for support under FFM+. LEARN MORE ABOUT FFM+ PROGRAMME
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Amendments to EU plant health rules for False Codling Moth - July 2022
The COLEACP Flash info issued on 20th June (and our website) gives an overview of recent AMENDMENTS TO THE EU PLANT HEALTH LEGISLATION. The latest regulation introduces new rules for False Codling Moth, which will apply from 14 of July 2022.We have updated our Guidelines on the export of Capsicum from Africa to incorporate the latest changes, and this is now available from our e-library. You may also be interested in the recent updates of our guidelines on eggplant and tomatoes, citrus, and mango. Please find more details and links below:COLEACP Plant Health GuidesCOLEACP provides plant health guidelines on the export of several ACP horticultural crops. These have been updated to incorporate all recent changes including those introduced under Regulation (EU) 2021/2285 and the new regulation (EU) 2022/959 of 16 June 2022: Guidelines on the export of fresh guava, papaya, and Annona (version 2022) Guidelines on exporting fresh capsicum from the Caribbean(version 2022) Guidelines on the export of Capsicum from Africa, Madagascar, Cape Verde, and Mauritius (version June 2022) Guidelines on exporting fresh eggplant and tomato from Africa, Madagascar, Cape Verde, and Mauritius (version 2022) Guidelines on exporting fresh citrus from Africa, Madagascar, Cape Verde and Mauritius (version 2022) Guidelines on the export of fresh mango to the European Union (version 2022) These guides provide a clear explanation of what needs to be done in order to ensure that exported produce is in compliance with EU phytosanitary requirements. They detail the information to be provided, and actions to be taken, at all stages from production to export by producers and exporters, as well as by the national authorities and inspection services.Those documents are publicly available in our E-library.
News
More effective control of potato blight in Fouta-Djallon with a new warning system
In Fouta-Djallon, central Guinea, potato is a major crop, widely exported to countries in the sub-region, with more than 45,000 tonnes produced per year and 38,000 affiliated producers – 64% of whom are women.One of the major problems faced by potato crop is blight. Extremely prevalent during the rainy season, mildew limits the cultivated area of potato and forces producers to apply numerous phytosanitary treatments to ensure production. Surveys carried out as part of the development of the Guide to Good Potato Production Practices – currently being developed –have shown losses ranging from 15% to the destruction of potato production by this disease. Depending on the scenario, a 15% loss of yield results in a loss of income equivalent to a monetary value ranging from 12,510,000 Guinea Franc/ha, approximately 1,380 euros, to 16,680,000 FG/ha, approximately 1,840 euros, depending on the price of the potatoes sold.In addition to the loss of income, most of the current control methods for blight are preventive fungicides. It is therefore imperative to know the optimal application date to guarantee effective control of the disease and to limit fungicide use to the strict minimum to reduce not only economic costs, but also risks to the health of the producer and the environment.It is in this context that the STDF/PG/498 project for the reinforcement of the phytosanitary control and certification system in Guinea is intervening to ensure the implementation of a warning system (surveillance) that will allow the producer to be advised on the best time to treat their field to maximise the effectiveness of the intervention.A warning system was developed by the Centre pour l'Agronomie et l'Agro-Industrie du Hainaut (CARAH) 30 years ago and has been improved over the years as knowledge of the pathogen, and technology have evolved. The warning system is based on a computer model that predicts the risk of blight infection. The model is based on the acquisition of weather data by a weather station – accurately measuring temperature, rela 2022tive humidity, and rainfall – installed in a representative potato plot in the region. The data from the weather station is sent every hour – or every day, although the accuracy is greatly reduced – to a central server on which disease development curves are calculated.
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COLEACP’s 2021 Annual Report is just published
Our new look annual report is available here.Get a quick overview of our 2021 programmes (Fit For Market, Fit For Market SPS, NExT Kenya, STDF projects) and our contributions to collaborative projects (with UNIDO and Enabel, among others) – and view snapshots of selected programme activities.The report also gives a brief summary of the EU and ACP horticultural markets in 2021.
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Suriname: Eggplant R-SAT Validation Workshop
On 24 May the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Fisheries of the Republic of Suriname, in collaboration with COLEACP (Fit For Market SPS programme) and the Caribbean Agricultural Health & Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA), held a one-day Eggplant R-SAT Validation Workshop in Paramaribo, bringing together 20 key representatives from the public and private horticulture sectors.Prior to the Suriname workshop, a COLEACP expert team facilitated the dialogue and engagement between key stakeholders, both public and private, in their assessment of Suriname’s national SPS systems using the Rapid SPS Assessment Tool (R-SAT). The goal of this exercise was to facilitate the development of a national priority action plan to strengthen SPS systems that is grounded in a common strategic vision, agreed by all stakeholders.During the workshop, the team presented the results of the application of R-SAT to the country’s SPS control system, and identified priority activities. The workshop concluded with a presentation of the updated national priority action plan, which was endorsed by key players in the sector.R-SAT provides a practical, step-by-step guide to assist ACP countries in their assessment of national SPS systems to strengthen them in line with international standards and regulations. The COLEACP R-SAT does not replace existing tools such as the FAO and WHO guidelines; the Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation (PCE) developed by the IPPC; or STDF’s Prioritizing SPS Investments for Market Access (P-IMA) framework. Rather, it is designed to be complementary to these tools, allowing rapid preliminary assessment and generating information that can be fed into these more in-depth evaluations as necessary.This activity is supported by the Fit For Market SPS programme, implemented by COLEACP within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union.
News
New market study analyses trends and potential for ACP-Pacific horticulture
A new study on the Pacific region by COLEACP's Market Insights service aims to gain an in-depth understanding of regional, national and international trade dynamics and market trends, and to identify value-added supply chains for ACP-Pacific fruit and vegetable industry players.Although production is growing generally, and particularly for ginger, the region is increasingly dependent on imports, mainly due to the growth of the tourism sector and urban populations' greater appreciation of imported processed foods.The most imported products are potatoes, onions and dried peas, as well as apples, oranges and grapes, fruits that cannot be grown in the islands. Most imports of processed products are for the hotel industry, such as frozen potatoes, mixed juices and groundnuts.Regional trade is mainly in mixed juices; fresh, frozen and processed potatoes; and frozen vegetable mixes. Fiji is the destination for 95% of intra-regional exports, acting as a trade hub. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has complicated inter-island transport. Internationally, the bulk of exports are to Australia and New Zealand, mainly ethnic roots and tubers, cassava and ethnic vegetables. Trade with the rest of the world is much less important.There are opportunities for some fresh vegetables, especially roots and tubers, in regional markets and in the tourism sector. For international markets, products and spices such as ginger, vanilla, turmeric, kava, virgin coconut oil and noni have the potential to be developed, particularly in organic forms, to improve their access to niche markets.You can read the full study here.
News
COLEACP’s New Board
As the term of office of COLEACP’s Board Members expired in June 2022, elections were held at the COLEACP Ordinary General Meeting on 22 June.Sixteen Board Members were elected:
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News Digest: Agri-food Markets, Production and Trade
Henk van der Meij of Hars&Hagebauer; reports on mango trade that "the Peruvian season's tail end was unexpectedly long, due partly to shipping delays. So the first part of the African season (Côte d’Ivoire) coincided with the last part of the Peruvian season. That's usually not ideal, but the promotions are keeping the mango sales momentum going. Eventually, the market will also have to start paying the price needed for this fruit and the increased costs. Africa is delivering sufficient volumes. But there are fewer and fewer importers from Africa; it's a risky business.”Source: Fresh Plaza, 4 May 2022
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NExT Kenya study on bottlenecks in the horticultural sector is supported by evidence from recent NHT mission
On 5 July, at a meeting with representatives of Kenya’s horticultural public and private sectors, Dr Kedera, NExT Kenya programme coordinator, presented the results of a study on the bottlenecks affecting the competitiveness of Kenyan horticultural exports.These results are the fruit of more than a year's work, which involved local consultants, multiple exchanges with stakeholders in Kenya and Europe and the competent authorities, as well as methodological and coordination work by COLEACP's Markets Insights department.What did the study reveal?No major revelations, but many well-founded confirmations regarding the factors blocking the expression of Kenya's full export potential. These range from a lack of agricultural inputs needed for the continuous improvement of sustainable agricultural practices; through the continuous need for capacity building, especially to support smaller exporters to respond to constraints linked to the ongoing evolution of European market requirements; to an urgent need for the optimisation of logistics via sea freight; and for transparency along the value chain via monitoring systems.The study confirms that Kenya's horticultural exports to the EU (fruit and vegetables, flowers) are a success story that has been key to the continued development of the country's agricultural economy. But challenges and threats have increased in international markets, most recently with Brexit, Covid-19, and now the war in Ukraine.At the same time, other suppliers to the European market competing with Kenya, such as Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Egypt, have benefited more than Kenya from the growth of the EU market, revealing the better performance of these Kenyan competitors on the EU market.Kenya's image for flowers and vegetables is positive among buyers. This is less so for fruit, such as avocado and mango, where even if Kenyans' efforts are recognised, progress remains to be made in terms of product consistency and quality.The study's value chain approach identified 47 bottlenecks, from which recommendations were drawn up for each link in the value chain and prioritised according to their impact on the sector and an estimate of the feasibility of remedying them.The bottlenecks identified for the flower sector illustrate the urgent and important challenges for the whole sector: the issue of SPS notifications on entry to the European market; integration of the European Green Deal both as a challenge and as an opportunity to develop new sustainable market segments in the EU; and finally the need to communicate to consumers about the societal and environmental sustainability of horticultural production.During the meeting on 5 July, Clement Tulezi, Chairman of Kenya’s National Horticulture Task Force (NHT), reported on the main results of the NExT Kenya mission in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany during March and April 2022. The Kenyan delegation consisted of members of the NHT, key agricultural regulatory agencies, the Kenyan mission to Belgium and the Netherlands, private sector representatives and development partners. Meetings with private and public stakeholders included the European Commission and the European horticultural import industry. Feedback from the mission confirmed and illustrated the results of the study: a need for regular data on the sustainability of the Kenyan horticultural sector; a decrease of SPS notifications on market entry; positive communication on Kenyan production, etc.The challenge for the NHT is now to turn these recommendations into a roadmap and action plans, as agreed by stakeholders on 5 July. The detailed and practical NExT Kenya bottleneck study should be very useful in this respect.These activities are implemented by COLEACP and supported by the NExT Kenya (New Export Trade) programme, established in collaboration with the EU Delegation in Nairobi and Kenyan stakeholders.
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Sandra, Noël and Rachel – three innovative and inspiring entrepreneurs from Africa and the Caribbean, honoured during EDDs 2022
On 22 June, during the European Development Days in Brussels, three young entrepreneurs from Africa and the Caribbean had the opportunity to present their business model promoting sustainability, links with research, development and adoption of technologies, and the use of digital tools in a Lab Debate organised by COLEACP and its partners.The European Union (EU)’s premier forum for international partnerships took place physically in Brussels and online on 21-22 June. It focused on the implementation of the EU's Global Gateway strategy, which aims to develop smart and secure links in the fields of digital, energy and transport, and to strengthen health, education and research systems around the world.The agri-food sector, which provides two-thirds of jobs in sub-Saharan Africa, will be essential to the economies of tomorrow's developed countries. Its future will depend on innovation and the development of skills needed for the emergence of new professions and new generations of entrepreneurs who will make agriculture a sustainable and resilient ecosystem.This is the purpose of the new Fit For Market+ (FFM+) programme, funded by the European Union and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), which was officially launched on 1 June and presented at the EDDs via the stand of COLEACP and its partners (EC/INTPA, the OACPS, STDF).