Understanding the threat from notifiable plant pests and diseasesOver previous decades, plant pests and diseases have had a devastating effect on our native fauna and flora, our landscape, environment and to horticultural businesses, and they continue to pose a real threat going forward.
The risk of plant pests and disease is exacerbated by the effects of climate change, and in particular the international trade and movement of plants and plant material.
Our approach to plant health and biosecurity
Pip and Stone Ltd under the trading name Adam's Apples are committed to maintaining the highest standards of biosecurity and are fully compliant with our legal obligations outlined by DEFRA with regards to Plant Health.
We use a limited number of trusted plant suppliers who are committed and legally bound to the highest standards in plant biosecurity, including Plant Healthy certification for UK suppliers.
Any plant material that arrives on the nursery is inspected by a Production Manager for signs of pests/disease and goods-in records are made. All imported plant material is inspected by Plant Health inspectors from AHPA. Cleared plants are held in a designated area, physically separate from our own stock. Goods-in/delivery notes are kept and plant passporting provides clear traceability.
Adam's Apples are inspected by government Plant Health inspectors from AHPA, who carry out two annual inspections of growing stock in the nursery, observing any signs of pest and disease. Any concerning material is collected, recorded and sent for analysis. Plant Health inspectors also inspect our mother orchards for material used for propagation.
We are authorised by DEFRA to issue Plant Passports (GB126156) . Annual records checks are made by APHA inspectors to ensure compliance with Plant Passporting practices. Plant Passporting records are kept for all plants coming onto the nursery for re-passporting or planting out.
Regular crop walking and record keeping by Production Managers and inspection of stock is carried out. We will ensure that in the event of a pest or disease outbreak, the correct procedures for containment, treatment and communication with the relevant authority and industry stakeholders will be followed.
Site and Operations Pest Risk Analysis
We use a SOPRA procedure to ensure plant biosecurity risks are kept to a minimum. We get regular updates from the relevant bodies with regards to new pest and disease threats and our SOPRA is reviewed regularly and updated before new species of plants arrive onto the nursery site.