The Department of Agriculture, understanding the threat posed by the pest Tuta absoluta on producers of tomatoes intended for processing, is publishing the following information:

Farmers, who are presently growing tomatoes intended for processing and are encountering damage caused by the tomato pest Tuta absoluta, are to contact their respective producer organisation and inform them about the case.

The Producer Organisation (PO) shall communicate to the Plant Health Department (PHD) and the Department of Agriculture, the name of the expert who will be investigating the claims made by the farmers.

When the expert recommends complete eradication of the product, the PO is to inform the PHD by reporting the following information:

– The name of the farmer

– The farmer’s identification number

– The parcel number to be eradicated

– The amount of plants to be eradicated

– The recommendations by the expert.

The information is to be sent to the Diagnosis and Control Unit within PHD, namely Mr David Mallia (Scientific Officer) on: david.b.mallia@gov.mt and Mr Pierre Rapinett on: pierre.rapinett@gov.mt.

On its part, the PHD shall give instructions to the producer organisation on the actions to be taken. A communication will also be issued to the growers through their respective Producer Organisations.

The eradication of the crop shall only be executed on the PHD’s approval. Farmers will still be receiving the entitlement payment as usual.

Permalink: Dept of Agriculture notice on Tuta Absoluta pest