Olive trees: MEPs to demand answers on how to tackle spread of killer bacteria

Parliament will quiz the Commission Thursday morning on plans to tackle the outbreak of Xylella fastidiosa bacteria, which have infected several thousand hectares of olive plantations in Italy, and prevent it spreading to other EU regions. The Commission will also be asked how any growers whose trees have to be destroyed are to be compensated.

MEPs also want the Commission to pursue research to eradicate deadly plant diseases caused by pathogens such as Xylella fastidiosa and Black Spot in citrus imports from South Africa. They will ask whether it is ready to tighten restrictions on plant imports.

You can watch the plenary debate via EP Live, and EbS+

REF. : 20150424IPR45825

Updated: ( 30-04-2015 - 14:18)