Conditions for importing olive seedlings to prevent pests
The National Center for Plant Pest and Animal Disease Prevention and Control (Wiqa’) has approved a set of strict requirements regulating the import of olive seedlings and other plants that host the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa from countries that have previously recorded infections. This strategic decision aims to strengthen the biosecurity system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and protect the local agricultural sector from the risks of spreading devastating plant pests and diseases, while ensuring the application of the highest phytosanitary standards in accordance with approved regional and international regulations.
Historical background on the danger of the bacteria “Xylella fastidiosa”
The bacterium Xylella fastidiosa is one of the most dangerous agricultural pests worldwide, having historically destroyed millions of trees, particularly in the Mediterranean region. This bacterium emerged with devastating force in southern Italy in 2013, wiping out vast areas of ancient olive groves and causing enormous economic losses estimated in the billions of euros. Transmitted by sap-sucking insects, the bacterium blocks the plant's water-carrying vessels, leading to its rapid desiccation and death. Since there is currently no effective treatment to eradicate this bacterium once a tree has been infected, strict preventative measures have become the first line of defense for countries protecting their agricultural resources.
The economic dimensions of regulating olive seedling imports and its regional impact
The decision to regulate the import of olive seedlings and host plants for this bacterium is of paramount importance both locally and regionally. Locally, this measure safeguards the Kingdom's substantial agricultural investments, particularly in northern Saudi Arabia, such as the Al-Jawf region, considered the Kingdom's "olive basket" and home to millions of trees. It also contributes to the sustainability of high-quality local olive oil production and food security. Regionally and internationally, this decision reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leader in implementing stringent agricultural quarantine standards, preventing its territory from becoming a transit point or hotspot for transboundary disease outbreaks and maintaining the stability of agricultural supply chains in the Middle East.
Requirements for obtaining official import authorization
The new regulations specify essential requirements for obtaining an import permit. These include full compliance with the executive regulations of the Seeds, Seedlings, and Saplings System, and the submission of an official purchase invoice clearly stating the scientific name of the requested plants. A separate import application must also be submitted for each exporting country, specifying the number of seedlings, their types, and the geographical region from which they will be imported. The regulations categorically prohibit the import of any seedlings derived from genetically modified mother plants or produced from genetically modified origins, in accordance with the Kingdom's environmental and regulatory standards. Specifically regarding olives, agricultural projects and farmers are permitted to import for the purpose of replacing existing crops or transitioning to advanced farming systems, provided that this is within the same cultivated area and does not involve any expansion into new areas. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has also been granted the authority to suspend permits and prevent the entry of shipments immediately upon the detection of any disease outbreaks in the exporting country.
Phytosanitary standards in the exporting country
The regulations require importers to ensure that imported seedlings originate from nurseries officially accredited by the National Plant Protection Organization in the exporting country. A certificate of bacterial freedom and official monitoring reports must be provided, and the nurseries must be located in areas declared free of infestation. The accredited nursery's records, along with detailed information on the production site, varieties, propagation methods, growing medium components, and phytosanitary measures implemented, are also required.
Specifications for seedlings and procedures upon arrival at ports
Seedlings must bear approved identification tags that include planting details, variety, origin, grafting, grade, and year of inspection. They must also be completely free of natural soil and grown in approved alternative growing media such as peat moss or perlite. Seedlings must undergo laboratory testing for bacteria at least 15 days before shipment. Upon arrival at border crossings, the shipment must be presented with the bill of lading, the original certificate of origin, and the phytosanitary certificate, along with an additional declaration confirming the production area is free of infestation, a non-GMO certificate, and the laboratory test report.
Agricultural quarantine procedures and waste management after entry
The procedures include sampling the shipment at the border crossing with a 95% confidence level and a 5% detection level, according to International Standard No. 31. If the samples are found to be safe, the seedlings are transferred to special quarantine nurseries designated by the importer. Host plants of the bacteria (such as citrus, coffee, oleander, olive, almond, and grape) are subject to a rigorous two-year monitoring program; this includes six months in the licensed nursery and one and a half years at the permanent planting site. Any plant found to be infected is destroyed immediately. The regulations also mandate the collection and careful handling of agricultural waste and prohibit the use of vegetative cuttings for propagation until at least two years have passed since the seedlings entered the country, to ensure the elimination of any potential for infection.
