Introductory text
United Kingdom
Commission Decision
of 8 May 2009
providing for the temporary marketing of certain seed potatoes not satisfying the requirements of Council Directive 2002/56/EC
(notified under document number C(2009) 3392)
(2009/378/EC)
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Council Directive 2002/56/EC of 13 June 2002 on the marketing of seed potatoesf1, and in particular Article 22(1) thereof,
Whereas:
(1)
It is stipulated in Annex I.2(c) to Directive 2002/56/EC that the number of plants showing symptoms of severe virus infection in the direct progeny must not exceed 10 %. In Sweden the quantity of available seed potatoes of the category ‘certified seed potatoes’ suitable to the national environmental conditions which satisfy the above requirement is insufficient and is therefore not adequate to meet the needs of that Member State.
(2)
It is not possible to meet the demand for seed potatoes with seed potatoes from other Member States or from third countries which satisfy all the requirements laid down in Directive 2002/56/EC.
(3)
Accordingly, Sweden should be authorised to permit the marketing of seed potatoes subject to less stringent requirements for a period expiring on 30 June 2009.
(4)
In addition, other Member States, which are in a position to supply Sweden with seed potatoes irrespective of whether the seed potatoes were harvested in a Member State or in a third country, should be authorised to permit the marketing of such seed potatoes.
(5)
It is appropriate that Sweden acts as a coordinator in order to ensure that the total amount of seed potatoes authorised pursuant to this Decision does not exceed the maximum quantity covered by this Decision.
(6)
The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Seeds and Propagating Material for Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: