Vine-growing sector: Xylella fastidiosa and HWT (hot water treatment)

2.10.2015

Question for written answer P-013465-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Raffaele Fitto (ECR) , Remo Sernagiotto (ECR)

The scientific findings of the 12-month pathogenicity tests conducted by the CNR (Italian National Research Council) at its Bari regional centre have served to establish that the ‘OQDS’ Xylella fastidiosa strain, the quarantine pathogen which causes olive quick decline syndrome, is not transmissible to grapevines. At its meeting of 17 and 18 September 2015 the Standing Committee on Plant Health thought fit to await the opinion of the EFSA before deleting vines from Annex I to Decision (EU) 2015/789, which prohibits the movement of, and trade in, plants listed. In so doing the committee has, in effect, shelved the matter for 60 days.

This postponement could do irreparable damage to the Apulian vine-growing sector, as the marketing year is about to get under way, starting with the signing of sales contracts for vine plants. In a scientific opinion issued on 2 September 2015 the EFSA stated that hot water treatment (HWT) to eliminate flavescence dorée is also effective against Xylella fastidiosa in vines. Once it has been treated in this way, vine planting material is, according to the EFSA, fit to be marketed within EU protected areas.

In light of the foregoing, can the Commission convene an immediate meeting of the Standing Committee on Plant Health for the purpose of authorising HWT, thus enabling vine-growers to market their products?