European walnut producers remain at a disadvantage due to health limitations

Phytosanitary limitations in cultivation are placing the walnut and pecan sector at a strong competitive disadvantage compared to imports from third countries, especially the United States and Chile, which may use active materials prohibited in the EU, such as cyanamide, as explained in the FEPEX Committee, made up of national producers and meeting in Madrid. The Committee found that, in the production of walnuts in the United States and Chile, the main suppliers of the national and community market, as well as in other producing countries, active materials can be used, such as cyanamide, the use of which is prohibited in the EU. due to its negative effects on health, as stated in the Commission Decision of September 18, 2008 regarding the withdrawal of authorizations of plant protection products containing this active substance. It is used to stimulate and increase the sprouting percentage and standardize the growth of the shoots, therefore allowing better productivity. ...