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In recent agricultural developments, a new opportunity has emerged for the protection of tomatoes against bacteriosis, specifically Pseudomonas syringae, a major bacterial disease affecting tomato crops. This disease is particularly devastating in field-grown tomatoes, threatening both yields and quality. However, the Italian authorities have granted an emergency authorization for Ibisco® (Fytosave®), a biocontrol solution, for use in managing this issue.

This emergency authorization has been granted for a limited duration of 120 days, while a formal extension of use is currently under evaluation. This procedure allows farmers to use the product in the short term while awaiting the official approval of a longer-term solution.

What are emergency authorizations in crop treatments?

Emergency authorizations are temporary permissions granted by European regulatory bodies that allow the use of plant protection products (PPP) under exceptional circumstances. These authorizations are typically issued when a new pest, disease, or unforeseen event threatens crops, and immediate action is necessary to prevent damage.

In the European Union (EU), emergency authorizations are granted under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. This regulation enables member states to issue temporary approvals for plant protection products that have not been generally authorized but are critical for addressing urgent agricultural issues. These emergency authorizations ensure that emergency interventions are made while minimizing risks to human health, the environment, and biodiversity.

How are emergency authorizations granted in the EU?

The process for granting emergency authorizations for crop protection in Europe typically follows these steps:

  1. Notification of the issue
    Farmers, agricultural authorities, or other stakeholders notify the relevant regulatory bodies, such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) or national agriculture departments, about an emerging threat. This includes providing scientific evidence, pest identification, and risk data to justify the urgency of the situation.
  2. Assessment by regulatory bodies
    Regulatory bodies assess the situation based on the severity of the pest or disease threat, the availability of approved products, and the potential risks of using unapproved products. If the situation is urgent and no alternatives are available, an emergency authorization may be granted.
  3. Temporary approval
    Once an emergency authorization is granted, it is typically valid for a limited period, often a 120-day period. The approval is contingent on the fact that the product is necessary to mitigate the emergency situation effectively. In this case, the authorization allows for the immediate use of Ibisco® (Fytosave®), providing farmers a critical tool to manage Pseudomonas syringae until a more permanent solution is in place.

Novel opportunity for tomato protection against bacteriosis – Emergency authorization granted for Ibisco® (Fytosave®) in Italy

In recent agricultural developments, a new opportunity has emerged for the protection of tomatoes against bacteriosis, specifically Pseudomonas syringae, a major bacterial disease affecting tomato crops. This disease is particularly devastating in field-grown tomatoes, threatening both yields and quality. However, the Italian authorities have granted an emergency authorization for Ibisco® (Fytosave®), a biocontrol solution, for use in managing this issue.

This emergency authorization has been granted for a limited duration of 120 days, while a formal extension of use is currently under evaluation. This procedure allows farmers to use the product in the short term while awaiting the official approval of a longer-term solution.

What are emergency authorizations in crop treatments?

Emergency authorizations are temporary permissions granted by European regulatory bodies that allow the use of plant protection products (PPP) under exceptional circumstances. These authorizations are typically issued when a new pest, disease, or unforeseen event threatens crops, and immediate action is necessary to prevent damage.

In the European Union (EU), emergency authorizations are granted under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. This regulation enables member states to issue temporary approvals for plant protection products that have not been generally authorized but are critical for addressing urgent agricultural issues. These emergency authorizations ensure that emergency interventions are made while minimizing risks to human health, the environment, and biodiversity.

How are emergency authorizations granted in the EU?

The process for granting emergency authorizations for crop protection in Europe typically follows these steps:

  1. Notification of the issue
    Farmers, agricultural authorities, or other stakeholders notify the relevant regulatory bodies, such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) or national agriculture departments, about an emerging threat. This includes providing scientific evidence, pest identification, and risk data to justify the urgency of the situation.
  2. Assessment by regulatory bodies
    Regulatory bodies assess the situation based on the severity of the pest or disease threat, the availability of approved products, and the potential risks of using unapproved products. If the situation is urgent and no alternatives are available, an emergency authorization may be granted.
  3. Temporary approval
    Once an emergency authorization is granted, it is typically valid for a limited period, often a 120-day period. The approval is contingent on the fact that the product is necessary to mitigate the emergency situation effectively. In this case, the authorization allows for the immediate use of Ibisco® (Fytosave®), providing farmers a critical tool to manage Pseudomonas syringae until a more permanent solution is in place.