A new, aggressive strain of potato blight, resistant to common fungicides, is spreading across Europe, posing a threat to potato crops. This development prompted an important meeting last week between the European potato value chain, including Europatat, and the European Commission’s Directorates-General for Agriculture (DG AGRI) and Plant Health & Food Safety (DG SANTE).
During the meeting, the potato industry representatives emphasised the severity of the situation and urged the Commission to implement measures that empower farmers with more effective control strategies against this destructive disease. A comprehensive Action Plan, co-signed by eight key European stakeholders was presented during the meeting.
The European Commission shared information about the ongoing activities that could help to address the issue and it was agreed to maintain the dialogue.
Europatat will keep working with other EU associations on this matter, and inform its members accordingly.