UK lifts import ban on Italian plants: saving a 42 million business
One year after the shutdown, the pest risk assessment conducted by the British found that there was no risk of the insect spreading
by A.Rom
2' min read
2' min read
After almost a year of embargo, the British authorities have given the green light for the resumption of imports of Italian floricultural products. This was announced by the Ministry of Agriculture, underlining the unexpected outcome reached after a long period of analysis thanks also to the support that the Italian phytosanitary authorities, in collaboration with Crea, gave to the British experts who came to conduct audits in Tuscany and Lombardy last March. Imports from Italy had been blocked in October 2024 by the British health authorities after an insect (Pochazia shantungensis) was repeatedly found in plants of Italian origin. The blockade had caused significant damage to the Italian floriculture sector as the seized plants had then been destroyed.
The phytosanitary risk assessment conducted by the British found that no part of the UK is sufficiently warm to encourage the spread and proliferation of the insect and therefore no grounds for a trade ban exist.The decision, emphasises Masaf, has been warmly welcomed by domestic operators in the sector, for whom the UK represents a market of great interest: the value of exports had been EUR 42.6 million in 2024 and with the three-month stoppage had fallen by 3.2 per cent. 'Without prejudice to the common satisfaction with the outcome of the case,' the ministry emphasises, 'we stress the importance of continuing to ensure maximum vigilance over other potential phytosanitary issues that threaten both plant health and the trade flows they feed'.
"The reopening of the UK market to Italian ornamental plants is excellent news," commented Undersecretary for Agriculture Patrizio La Pietra, "which is the result of the constant work we have put in to avert a decision that could have caused significant damage to the Italian floriculture sector. Not including Pochazia Shantungensis among the quarantine organisms for plants and the reopening of imports from Italy is an important signal for the entire sector. Institutions and the world of research have worked together in support of the production system to avert the risk of serious economic damage to the national horticultural sector, an Italian excellence and export leader, and today's result - he concludes - rewards the efforts made by Masaf, Minister Lollobrigida and the entire Meloni government".
