Defra: why it’s important to buy from specialists
Here at the Norfolk Olive Tree Company, we work closely DEFRA – the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. Why is this so important? Protecting plant health is of utmost importance to us and our customers. With health at the top of everyone’s agenda, we understand the importance of providing confidence for customers old and new. That’s why we work hard to ensure all our olives meet the latest Defra plant health requirements.
Xylella: everything you need to know
Xylella Fastidiosa is a bacterial disease transmitted from plant to plant by xylem-boring insects, such as leafhoppers. It causes disease in a wide range of plants such as but has not yet been detected in the UK. There have been outbreaks in Europe causing serious concerns about the risk of infected plants imported into the UK. The disease can infect more than 560 different plant species and causes symptoms including leaf scorch, wilt, die back and plant death. Initially, Xylella was found mainly in America and Taiwan, where it affects citrus, grapevines, coffee, and almond plants. For this reason, the horticultural industry and the UK government have taken measures to prevent the arrival of Xylella.
We are a certified disease-free zone
Defra only allow imported olive trees from nurseries that carry a plant passport. To be issued a plant passport the site needs to have regular inspections which enable them to be classed as a disease-free zone. Here at The Norfolk Olive Tree, we only source trees from nurseries in Spain where there have been no recorded infections. These measures ensure we only import healthy disease-free specimens to prevent the spread of this terrible disease. In addition on arrival at our nursery our Olives are inspected and checked the government’s plant inspector. As a result, we can ensure all our trees are disease free so you can buy with us in confidence.
If you’re looking to buy an olive tree from one of the UK’s leading specialists, then view our latest stock today.
