News Safety
Feedback requested on Canadian Fruit Tree Export Program

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has posted an industry consultation survey about the Canadian Fruit Tree Export Program (CFTEP) to gain feedback, and better understand how the program is being used and any challenges that participants have encountered.

CFTEP is an audit-based program which uses integrated pest risk management measures as the basis for the phytosanitary certification of fruit trees. While it is a stand-alone program, it is also designed to be compatible with the Canadian Nursery Certification Program (CNCP).

D-08-05: Canadian Fruit Tree Export Program (CFTEP) for Malus, Pyrus, Chaenomeles, Cydonia and Prunus spp. contains the requirements for the production of fruit tree nursery stock for export, including ornamental species. This program uses a systems approach in order to produce virus-tested fruit tree nursery stock.

The CFIA states the international trade of fruit trees is considered to be a high risk pathway for the movement of plant pests. While some viruses are known to have a minor impact on infected trees, other viruses can cause very serious diseases and can lead to major crop losses, as infected plants must be destroyed.

The industry consultation survey can be accessed here, with responses accepted until April 30.