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Archived - Plum Pox Virus Monitoring and Management Program

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This program is designed to contain and mitigate the spread of plum pox virus (PPV) to minimize the impact of this virus on Canada’s tender fruit industry, as well as to facilitate industry management of PPV.

Funding of $17 million over five years has been approved and the program will be delivered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). It will be done in two phases. The first five-year phase will develop the regulatory controls and best management practices with provincial governments, and the second phase will be ongoing mitigation of the spread of PPV through regulatory controls.

Five-year program

Beginning immediately, the CFIA will implement a regulatory program to mitigate the spread of PPV based on requirements of the Plant Protection Act. Through the Plum Pox Virus Infested Place Order, a quarantine area has been designated in the Niagara area where PPV is present. The CFIA will continue to do surveys to determine if PPV is spreading.

Regulated material from Prunus spp., which does not include fresh fruit, will not be permitted to move outside of the designated quarantine area. Additionally, its propagation continues to be prohibited within the quarantine area. This prohibition will be reviewed annually.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada researchers will assist in developing best management practices for industry to reduce the impact of PPV. Research initiatives will develop durable virus resistance strategies and orchard management practices. AAFC will work with provincial partners and industry stakeholders to support education and awareness initiatives to encourage fruit and nursery growers to adopt these practices. Results will be communicated directly to industry and through provincial governments.

Ongoing program

The application of long-term regulatory controls remains necessary to prevent further spread of PPV. The CFIA will continue to mitigate the spread through regulatory initiatives as described in the five-year program.

Originally issued December 15, 2011 (Notice to Industry)

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