LIFE NextFUMIGREEN supports the EU’s fight against new imported pests and diseases

• EU responds to phytosanitary interceptions with prevention mechanisms such as EUROPHYT.
• European LIFE NextFUMIGREEN project advocates the use of natural fumigants.

Brussels, 11 January 2024. The European Union is facing a growing risk of new pests and diseases from regions where they are already present due to increased international trade and is putting in place key prevention mechanisms. The European LIFE NextFUMIGREEN project, which advocates the use of natural fumigants, highly appreciates these measures that will help protect the environment and public health.

The adaptability of these pests to similar climates in Europe, together with the availability of hosts and the absence of natural enemies, can facilitate their establishment and spread, causing considerable environmental and socio-economic impacts.

EUROPHYT: The EU Response to Phytosanitary Interceptions

Given this scenario, the European Commission has implemented several key preventive mechanisms. One of them is EUROPYTH, an early notification system focused on phytosanitary interceptions of consignments of imported plants and plant products.

EUROPHYT, established and run by the Directorate General for Health and Food Safety of the European Commission, provides vital information on the country of origin of the pest, the imported plant material and the harmful organisms intercepted. This makes it possible to anticipate and respond to these global threats more effectively.

Future of Plant Health in the EU

The EU’s fight against new imported pests and diseases is an ongoing and crucial effort to protect its biodiversity and economy. Through tools such as EUROPYTH, the EU is not only addressing current challenges, but also preparing for future threats, thus ensuring the safety and health of its agricultural ecosystem.

LIFE NextFUMIGREEN project for environmental protection

LIFE NextFUMIGREEN, as a project committed to sustainable development by promoting the use of natural fumigants as a green alternative to agrochemicals, supports the EU’s fight against new imported pests and diseases, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental protection and public health.

About LIFE NextFUMIGREEN

The European project LIFE NextFUMIGREEN actively promotes food safety by developing natural fumigants from plant extracts to control pests in intensive horticultural crops under glass. With the leadership of Fumihogar and with the collaboration of the Foundation for Agricultural Auxiliary Technologies, the Finnova Foundation, B&B Asesores Auditores Ambientales, Comercial Quimica Masso and BrioAgro Tech, the project has a total budget of 2,758,921.01 €, 60% subsidised by the LIFE Programme.