b'triggering trade disruptions mainly due to delays caused by verifica-tion testing at import. In the case of seeds for sowing, these delays at import can have a negative impact on seed quality, including germination. Additionally, supply delays have been caused by the blocking of seed lots during investigations by NPPOs for the source of infestations at grower level.SWE: FOR EUROPE, WHAT ARE THE DOWNSIDES OF THE EMERGENCY PEST APPROACH? Emergency measures can be a necessary regulatory instrument to effectively address an emerging, urgent or critical situation. However, they can also come with challenges, including (but not limited to):i. limited stakeholder consultation or input, which can have significant consequences when it comes to the feasibility of imple-menting the measures, with disproportionate impact on activities related to breeding for resistant tomato and pepper varieties. Since emergency measures are implemented quickly to respond to a given threat, there is limited time to consult relevant stakeholders across the seed sector for input. Nevertheless, when amending such meas-ures, this stakeholder consultation should be considered. The down-side of missing the input from key stakeholders is the exclusion of valuable perspectives which could help in reducing unintended consequences and ensuring the continued availability of high-qual-ity seed to the growers.Claudius Marondedzeii. ongoing limitations of scientific data available to define evi-dence-based and proper risk mitigation measures. ers. One key tool is strict hygiene measures from production to iii. the creation of uncertainty on the impacted sector andprocessing and to the farm gate and testing at different stages in the unpredictability of events to follow including additional declara- process. It is good to note that even without the emergency measures tion requirements, trade relations with third countries, supply chainor regulations put in place, the seed sector is taking all the necessary planning and investment decisions.preventive measures and testing thoroughly to ensure the supply iv. the creation of challenges for predictable seed movementof healthy seed for growers. Further, the breeding sector has been that slow research and innovation on the development of resistantbusy with research to identify resistant traits and incorporate them varieties. into commercial varieties. This is an ongoing process, but right now genetic resistance has already been established in some lines with SWE: WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF A ToBRFV ERADICATIONsome resistant varieties already on the market.APPROACH TO TOMATO PRODUCTION IN THE EU AND GLOBALLY? SWE: WHAT REGULATORY CHANGES WOULD BE BEST TO The impact of a ToBRFV eradication approach can be challenging.HELP THE EU SEED TRADE MOVE FORWARD? Implementing the destruction procedure on infected plants causesIn managing ToBRFV, the seed sector and regulators share a reduced total yields, and in severe cases a complete loss of produc- common goal. We are committed to supplying healthy seed to our tion. The latter also carries environmental implications includingcustomers around the world. Given the current developments on waste management challenges. the spread of ToBRFV in Europe in particular, it is recommended The eradication approach also implies, at least in the EU, thatthat ToBRFV be reclassified as a Regulated Non-Quarantine Pest NPPOs have to investigate the source of any occurring infesta- (RNQP). A Regulated Non-Quarantine Pest is a pest that is already tion within their Member State. Such investigations cost time andpresent in the EU territory, but its presence has an unacceptable resources with very few of these investigations pinpointing a sourceeconomic impact and therefore is regulated to avoid further spread. of contamination. Seed lots are blocked during the investigations,This follows recommendations by some NPPOs based on research causing delays in the supply chain that can impact tomato produc- conducted by specialists of authorities or institutes in four EU tion. Meanwhile, and unfortunately, eradication has proven to beMember States that demonstrates ToBRFV qualifies as RNQP unachievable based on re-infection rates at contaminated sites asin the EU2. This information was also published on the EPPO well as the global spread the virus has already made.website 3 . According to their assessment, ToBRFV does not qualify In addition, a ToBRFV eradication approachat least thescientifically as a Quarantine Pest for the EU as supported and version seen todayimpacts trade of tomato and pepper worldwidedefined in the Plant Health Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 article when importing countries impose restrictions on regions affected4 resp. article 3(b), nor for an emergency measure for the same by ToBRFV. This distracts international trade and restricts marketreason (article 30(1)) and should be considered a RNQP. This would access for growers. mean that ToBRFV is still regulated and measures would remain Nevertheless, the impact of ToBRFV has triggered researchin place, but the focus would be on mitigation rather than eradica-and innovation towards creating resistant varieties and improvedtion, moving away from repetitive testing at import and demanding disease control and management. investigations of infestations within the Member State. SWE: WHAT TOOLS DOES THE SEED SECTOR HAVE TO MIT- SWE: ARE THERE WAYS IN WHICH THE OUTBREAKS OF NEW IGATE THE RISK OF ToBRFV ON SEED PRODUCTION SITES?(SIMILAR) VIRUSES CAN BE PREVENTED? The seed sector always applies a multilayer system of tools ratherFirst of all, it is important to keep in mind that viruses such as than one tool to ensure healthy and high-quality seeds for the grow- ToBRFV are very difficult to keep from spreading as there is so EUROPEAN-SEED.COMISEED WORLD EUROPE I 43'