Very soon, table potatoes of Polish origin can be imported for sale in other countries of the European Union (EU), including Latvia, only if there is a certificate of absence of Clavibacter sepedonicus, which causes ring rot of potatoes. This was reported by the State Plant Protection Service (SPPP) of Latvia.
Importation of table potatoes from Poland is subject to stricter regulations than from other EU countries. This is due to the widespread occurrence of Clavibacter sepedonicus in Poland, where ring rot is most common in table potato samples, accounting for 4,4% of all potatoes tested. Meanwhile, in the EU, this figure averages 2,8%.
The EU safety requirements stipulate that Polish table potatoes can be imported for sale to other EU countries only if they are accompanied by the specified certificate and if the Polish Plant Protection Service has notified the similar office of the respective country in advance about the delivery of the consignment.