EU allocates €11.5m for survey programs of plant pests

The European Union (EU) is expected to commit close to 11.5 million euros (12.5 million U.S. dollars) to support the survey programs for plant pests in 22 member states in 2016, said the European Commission in a press release on Tuesday.

A large part of the budget, about 15 percent, would be dedicated to the survey of xylella fastidiosa, one of the most dangerous plant bacterium in the world, and which has been affecting olive trees in Apulia, Italy since 2013.

Moreover, an equally high budget will go toward the survey of pinewood nematode, a microscopic worm which attacks coniferous trees and that could lead to the devastation of Europe's pine forests.

The EU has supported the implementation of survey programs in member states with the view to contribute to a high level of health for plants along the food chain since 2015, said the press release.

Timely identification of plant pests at a national level and detection of new emerging risks ensures the possibility of early and appropriate action against pests, with high economic and environmental benefits, added the press release.