Written question asked by Charlotte Nichols (Labour) on Friday, 25 September 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 29 September 2020. It was answered by Baroness Prentis of Banbury (Conservative) on Monday, 5 October 2020 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Phytophthora Austrocedri: Disease Control

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had on tackling the Phytophthora austrocedri pathogen outbreaks that threaten the UK's juniper crop; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Phytophthora austrocedri was confirmed in England in 2011 and is an air and water borne pathogen of Juniper. We continue to monitor closely the spread of the pathogen and take measures to minimise its introduction, including statutory inspections and action on any findings in the plant trade, for example at nurseries. The Plant Health Service work closely with conservation organisations and other stakeholders to minimise the risk of spread in the wider environment by promoting good biosecurity practices and providing management guidance.

Secondary information