A recent vote by the EU Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee (ENVI) unanimously rejected draft European legislation that has the potential to seriously impact Europe’s horticulture sector, with knock-on effects for UK gardeners.
The proposed Plant Reproductive Material Regulation, which in its current form has been strongly opposed by the RHS and other horticultural organisations, was rejected by a vote of 49-0. The draft legislation was also rejected by the EU Agriculture Committee (AGRI) on 11 February by 37 votes to 2. The latter Committee has asked the EU Commission to withdraw the legislation and for it to work on a new draft that would address the concerns raised by the Committees.
The RHS understands that even though both Committees have overwhelmingly rejected the Regulation, the EU Commission may present the proposal to the full EU Parliament in April. If passed, the legislation would impose more stringent requirements on all plants propagated in the EU, including ornamentals, and bring them more into line with those for food crops.
The RHS is continuing to urge people to write to their MEPs to express their opposition to draft European legislation and has provided a template letter and information on how to identify and contact your MEP – see links below.
Identify UK MEPs who are members of the influential Agriculture and Rural development Committee
Identify your local MEP
Read the proposed legislation
Source: RHS – EU Plant Legislation Gets Short Shrift in Vote
