Ministerial Decree laying down phitosanitary measures for the import of strawberry plants originating in Argentina.

By way of derogation from Ministerial Decree of 31 January 1996, strawberry plants (Fragaria L.) intended for plantation and originating in Argentina may be introduced into the Italian territory from 1 June 2001 until 30 September 2002, with the exception of seeds. Imports shall be authorized by the Ministry of Agricultural and Forestry Policies, under the conditions established by article 2 of the Decree. The strawberry plants shall be accompanied by a phitosanitary certificate containing: (a) indications on the last treatments before exporting; (b) the variety name; (c) the certifying programme related to the mother plant. Furthermore, the Ministry of Agricultural and Forestry Policies shall instruct the regional phitosanitary services as regards laboratory analysis and inspections to be carried out.