Nursery Stock Import Health Standard -Amendments to the Vitis Schedule

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is proposing to add three new regulated pests to the import requirements for Vitis plants for planting. The viruses are Grapevine fabavirusGrapevine leafroll-associated virus 2 “red globe” and Grapevine virus E. MPI proposes regulation of all three of these viruses with PCR during post-entry quarantine. These measures will be required post-border in New Zealand and will not affect trade. MPI is also proposing to remove the option to import Vitis cuttings or plants in vitro sourced from open-field mother plants when being imported from an approved offshore facility. This will not affect trade, as there are no approved facilities currently. This amendment brings the nursery stock import health standard in line with the MPI Offshore Facilities Standard.