Ash (Fraxinus) trees, plants or logs: Prohibition of Importation

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A decision made 12 November 2012:

Decision Reference:
Decision Summary Title:		Prohibition of the import of Ash (Fraxinus) trees to Jersey		Date of Decision Summary:	7th November 2012
Decision Summary Author:		Plant Pathologist & laboratory Manager		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?		Oral		Person Giving Oral Report:	S. Thomson
Written Report Title:				Date of Written Report:
Written Report Author:				Written Report : Public or Exempt?
Subject: Prohibition of the import of Ash trees to Jersey
Decision(s): On 26th October 2012, and via Ministerial Decision MD-PE-2012-0113, the Minister decided to prohibit the import of Ash (Fraxinus) trees, plants and logs with immediate effect and for an unspecified period. Since the 26th October, and following consultation with the U.K. Food and Environment Research Agency, it has been established that the risk of importation of Chalara fraxinea via logs for firewood is negligible. Importation of Ash logs from which all foliage has been removed is therefore permitted with immediate effect. The prohibition on the importation of Ash plants remains in place. This action is taken to avoid or reduce the risk of importation and establishment of Chalara dieback of ash caused by the pathogenic fungus Chalara fraxinea. Provision exists within Plant Health (Jersey) Law 2003 Article 5 (1) (a) – The Minister may make Orders regulating or prohibiting for the purposes of this Law- (a) the import, export, movement, sale and keeping of plants, and of plant pests and other significant things; And Article 5 (2) – An Order may, for the purposes of this Law, authorise the taking of action, or the giving of orders to take action, to reduce or avoid the dangers posed by plant pests and other significant things.– Approvals. The Minister may give his or her approval in relation to a pesticide of any description. This Ministerial Decision will be enacted with immediate effect and be reviewed periodically by the Head of Plant Health for the Minister.
Reason(s) for Decision: This action is taken to avoid or reduce the risk of importation and establishment of Chalara dieback of ash caused by the pathogenic fungus Chalara fraxinea.
Resource Implications: Few. The Plant Health Inspectorate are already informing and inspecting importers.
Action required: All actions will be performed by the Plant Health Laboratory and Inspectorate unless an outbreak is confirmed. In this case inter-departmental cooperation may be required.
Signature:			Position: Minister
Date Signed:	Ass Dir Initials		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):
	CEO Initials