Plant Health

France – Nouvelle-Aquitaine Publishes 2026 Mandatory Insecticide Treatment Windows for Flavescence Dorée in Vineyards

France’s Nouvelle-Aquitaine regional agriculture directorate has set 2026 mandatory insecticide treatment windows and commune lists for controlling flavescence dorée in vineyards, based on national flavescence and pollinator-protection orders. Winegrowers in the affected departments must plan spray programmes around late-May to late-June windows, using authorised products and pollinator-safe practices to avoid non-compliance and potential sanctions.

25 May 2026, 20:27draaf.nouvelle-aquitaine.agriculture.gouv.frFrance

EU PAFF Plant Health Committee Publishes 8–9 June 2026 Agenda on New Plant Pest Measures

The European Commission’s PAFF Plant Health Committee has published the 8–9 June 2026 agenda signalling imminent committee opinions on several draft implementing regulations covering emergency plant pest measures, new controls for Meloidogyne graminicola, import derogations and updates to existing plant pest prohibitions. These votes are likely to trigger near-term tightening of EU phytosanitary rules for specific crops, plant materials and trade pathways, so agrifood operators and plant health teams should monitor outcomes closely and anticipate adjustments to sourcing, certification and inspection programmes.

25 May 2026, 15:49food.ec.europa.euEuropean Union

EU Commission Adopts Implementing Regulation Amending Minimum Check Frequencies for Plant Imports

In May 2026 the European Commission adopted an Implementing Regulation to further amend the EU rules on minimum identity and physical check frequencies for consignments of plants, plant products and related objects entering the Union. This will require plant health authorities at EU border control posts to update inspection programmes once the act is published in the Official Journal, with potential impacts on clearance times and compliance planning for traders in affected commodities.

25 May 2026, 15:46ec.europa.euEuropean Union

Switzerland FSVO Grants Emergency Authorisation for Spinosad and Acetamiprid Plant Protection Products

Switzerland’s food safety authority has issued a binding general decision granting temporary emergency authorisations for several spinosad- and acetamiprid-based plant protection products on key vegetable crops until late November 2026. Professional users must strictly follow new PPE, buffer-zone, bee-protection and treatment-limit conditions, which will shape plant protection planning and compliance for the 2026 growing season.

25 May 2026, 15:36fedlex.data.admin.chSwitzerland

EU Adopts Forest Reproductive Material Regulation on Production and Marketing of FRM

The EU has adopted a new Forest Reproductive Material Regulation creating a harmonised framework for the production and marketing of forest seeds and planting stock, replacing the 1999 directive and amending the plant health and official controls regimes. Forestry and nursery operators across the EU will face stricter approval, traceability, labelling and import requirements for FRM and should plan multi‑year adjustments to sourcing, certification and data systems ahead of application five years after entry into force.

24 May 2026, 20:47eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

Nicaragua (NIC/309) Proposes Phytosanitary Requirements for Fresh Eucalyptus Foliage From Costa Rica

Nicaragua has notified the WTO of draft Resolution 181-2026-IPSA establishing new phytosanitary import requirements for fresh cut eucalyptus foliage from Costa Rica, including certification that consignments are free from the fungus Neopestalotiopsis rosae and inspection at Nicaraguan quarantine posts. Exporters and importers in this foliage trade will need to align certification and inspection processes ahead of entry into force and may wish to use the consultation window until 18 July 2026 to comment on any operational or trade impacts.

23 May 2026, 19:24members.wto.orgNicaraguaCosta Rica

EFSA Proposes Higher Acequinocyl MRLs for Cane Fruits and Small Berries in the EU

EFSA has issued a May 2026 reasoned opinion proposing higher EU maximum residue limits for the acaricide acequinocyl in cane fruits and other small fruits and berries while confirming that the existing honey MRL can remain at 0.05 mg/kg. If the European Commission follows these recommendations, berry growers and crop protection suppliers will gain additional authorised acequinocyl uses, with EFSA’s modelling indicating that consumer exposure would remain comfortably below toxicological reference values.

23 May 2026, 11:18efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.comEuropean Union

STOA Explores EU Policy Options for Managing New and Emerging Plant Pests

In May 2026, the European Parliament’s STOA panel debated a draft study on how the EU should manage future outbreaks of new and emerging plant pests, presenting four complementary “no‑regret” policy option packages on prevention, rapid response, resilience, and governance. While non-binding, these options point to likely future moves on stricter pathway controls, faster access to biological and other control tools, and more resilient, climate-robust farming systems that agricultural and crop-protection businesses should monitor closely for early regulatory signals.

23 May 2026, 11:17control.eup.glcloud.euEuropean Union

Peru Proposes Phytosanitary Import Requirements for Begonia Cuttings From El Salvador

Peru has notified the WTO of a draft phytosanitary resolution establishing mandatory import requirements for unrooted begonia cuttings from El Salvador, circulated on 19 May 2026. This signals tighter plant-health controls on this specific trade flow, meaning exporters and nurseries may need to adapt certification and sourcing once the measure is finalised.

23 May 2026, 11:15eping.wto.orgPeru

Chile SAG Opens Consultations To Amend Phytosanitary Import Rules For Berry And Strawberry Plants (Res. 634/2013; Res. 1.923/2025)

Chile’s agricultural regulator SAG has opened two public consultations on draft resolutions that would tighten and update phytosanitary import requirements for berry planting material from New Zealand and strawberry plants from EU Member States, published on 20 May 2026. If adopted, these amendments will refine pest and pathogen testing obligations, centralise certain imports through a single airport entry point, and may affect how nurseries and exporters structure shipments of propagating material destined for Chile.

23 May 2026, 09:11sag.gob.clChile

EEA Joint Committee Decision 3/2026 Incorporates Regulation (EU) 2023/1231 Into Annex I (Veterinary and Phytosanitary Matters) of the EEA Agreement

The EEA Joint Committee has adopted Decision 3/2026 to incorporate, with adaptations, Regulation (EU) 2023/1231 on specific veterinary and phytosanitary rules for movements of certain goods and pet animals into Northern Ireland into Annex I of the EEA Agreement, effective 7 February 2026 subject to notifications. This aligns parts of the EU’s Windsor Framework regime with the EEA Agreement while carving out key provisions and exemptions for the EFTA States, so EEA authorities and agri-food and plant-trade stakeholders should review how the adapted obligations and exclusions (particularly for Iceland and Liechtenstein) shape future control and market-access arrangements.

23 May 2026, 08:56eur-lex.europa.euEuropean UnionEuropean Economic Area

Minnesota Publishes 2026 Noxious Weeds Guide With Ornamental Phase-outs

Minnesota has issued a 2026 noxious weeds guide that consolidates statutory weed categories and highlights new 2026–2028 phase-out schedules and trade restrictions for several invasive ornamental species. Nurseries, garden centres and land managers in Minnesota must plan now to stop producing, selling and planting affected species, update labeling and procurement, and prepare for full sales and propagation bans taking effect after the 2028 phase-out window closes.

23 May 2026, 08:46lrl.mn.govUnited States

Colombia Draft Resolution on Phytosanitary Requirements for Importation of In-Shell Walnuts From Chile (G/SPS/N/COL/423)

Colombia's agricultural authority has notified a draft resolution setting phytosanitary import requirements for in-shell walnuts from Chile, with comments invited until 12/07/2026. Exporters and importers of Chilean walnuts to Colombia should review the proposed certification, labelling, packaging, and inspection conditions and consider submitting feedback or preparing to adjust import procedures before the rules take effect.

22 May 2026, 18:57members.wto.orgColombia

Peru (SENASA) Proposes Phytosanitary Import Requirements for Wheat Grain From Brazil

Peru’s agricultural health authority SENASA has issued a draft Directorial Resolution setting detailed phytosanitary import requirements for wheat grain from Brazil, including permits, pest-free certifications, and prescribed methyl bromide or phosphine fumigation treatments. If adopted, Brazilian exporters and Peruvian importers will need to align sourcing, treatment, and documentation processes with these conditions, potentially affecting trade flows, logistics planning, and the choice of pest control technologies.

22 May 2026, 18:57members.wto.orgPeruBrazil

US APHIS Restricts Imports of Rosa spp. Plants for Planting Due to Ralstonia solanacearum Race 3 Biovar 2

USDA APHIS has issued a binding Federal Order, effective 20 May 2026, tightening import conditions for Rosa plants for planting after ornamental roses were identified as asymptomatic hosts of the high-consequence plant pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2. Importers and brokers of rose planting material must now meet stricter origin-specific NPPO certification, Canadian/US greenhouse certification or Controlled Import Permit conditions, or risk shipment refusal and increased plant-health compliance scrutiny.

22 May 2026, 17:12aphis.usda.govUnited States

Ukraine Consults On Draft Changes To Phytosanitary Inspection, Sampling And Expertise Methods

Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture has opened a short public consultation on a draft order updating methods for phytosanitary inspection, sampling and expertise under the Plant Quarantine Law. If adopted, the revised methods could change how plants and plant products are inspected and tested at borders and domestically, so exporters, importers and laboratories should review the draft and prepare to adjust procedures once finalised.

22 May 2026, 17:11me.gov.uaUkraine

Ukraine Ministry of Economy Proposes Amendments to Phytosanitary Inspection and Sampling Methods

Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy has launched consultation on a draft order to amend the official methods used for phytosanitary inspection, sampling and laboratory analysis under national plant health controls. If adopted, the changes will reshape how inspectors and accredited laboratories perform checks on plants and plant products, so agricultural exporters and operators should anticipate updated procedures and documentation requirements.

22 May 2026, 17:11me.gov.uaUkraine

EEA Joint Committee Decision 1/2026 Incorporates Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/917 Into Annex I to the EEA Agreement

The EEA Joint Committee has adopted Decision 1/2026 to incorporate EU Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/917 on minimum requirements for veterinary and phytosanitary border control posts into Annex I of the EEA Agreement, effective 7 February 2026. This will align Norwegian and Icelandic border control posts and inspection centres with updated EU infrastructure and listing standards for official controls on live animals and related goods, while excluding certain live animal provisions for Iceland and leaving Liechtenstein outside the decision's scope.

21 May 2026, 06:54eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Economic Area

USDA APHIS Extends Deregulation to Genetically Engineered Corn DP51291

USDA APHIS has granted nonregulated status to genetically engineered corn event DP51291, effective 19 May 2026, after determining it poses no greater plant pest risk than existing maize varieties. This decision removes APHIS permit and notification requirements for movement and planting of DP51291 maize in the United States, enabling commercialization to proceed subject mainly to existing EPA pesticide and FDA food and feed safety determinations.

21 May 2026, 06:37aphis.usda.govUnited States

EU Parliament Approves Forest Reproductive Material Regulation

EU legislators have now adopted the Forest Reproductive Material Regulation, with the European Parliament approving the Council’s first-reading text on 19 May 2026. This confirms the final EU framework governing production and marketing of forest reproductive material, so forestry and nursery operators should align future compliance planning with the obligations and timelines already set in the Council text once it is published and in force.

20 May 2026, 19:55europarl.europa.euEuropean Union