Burgenland Plant Protection Act 2019 (Bgld. PSG 2019).

This Act aims to safeguard plants and plant products within Burgenland from diseases and harmful organisms. It aligns with EU regulations, particularly Regulation (EU) 2016/2031, by outlining measures for monitoring, controlling, and preventing the spread of plant pests. The Act establishes protocols for inspections, delineates responsibilities for landowners and authorities, and sets procedures for managing quarantine pests. It also specifies the issuance of phytosanitary certificates and the use of plant passports to ensure traceability and compliance in the movement of plants and plant products. Overall, the legislation aims to protect local agriculture and ecosystems by implementing comprehensive plant health measures.
Section 4 of the Act provides that authorities and official plant protection services must monitor properties, buildings, and transport vehicles for plant pests and ensure compliance with required measures. Landowners, businesses, and other responsible parties must keep their properties and plant products free from pests, report any pest occurrences or suspicions, comply with official instructions, allow inspections and sampling, and provide necessary information and documentation. The authorities can mandate specific actions, such as restricting the cultivation of certain plants, enforcing plant protection procedures, limiting land use, and ordering the destruction or decontamination of infested items. The regional government may set further details by regulation, and before issuing such measures, it must consult the Burgenland Chambers of Agriculture and Commerce, except where immediate EU-based actions are required. The Act consists of 13 Articles.