Section 11

Powers of the Minister. SCHEDULE CHAPTER 211 Ch. 122. 3 of 1984. 53 of 1996. 12 of1999. CAP. 211. R.E. 2020. PLANTS, FRUITS AND VEGETABLES (IMPORTATION) REGULATIONS (Sections 35, 86 and 88) 1. These Regulations may be cited as theCitation PLANTS, FRUITS AND VEGETABLES (IMPORTATION) REGULATIONS. Application. Schedule. 2.–(1) These Regulations shall not apply to the plants, fruits and vegetables specified in the Schedule hereto. 12 of 1999. (2) Subject to the provisions of these Regulations, no plants, fruits or vegetables shall be imported into Belize except in accordance with the terms of a permit granted by the Chief Agricultural Officer. Imports prohibited. 3. Subject to the provisions of regulation 2 of these Regulations, no person shall import any fruit or any vegetable except– (a) fruits or vegetables imported direct from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, the United States of America or, provided a certificate of introduction is granted by an officer designated by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority after inspection, from Jamaica; (b) fruits from the Australian States of Tasmania and Victoria, certified, in such manner as an officer designated by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority may consider satisfactory, as being pest free; 704 (c) beet, cabbage, carrot, cucumber, cauliflower, lettuce, radish, turnips, or any other vegetable of which an officer designated by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority may from time to time by order published in the Gazette permit the importation from Central America or Mexico subject to the following conditions– (i) that such vegetables are imported at such approved ports or places of entry under the Customs Regulation Act as may from time to time be appointed by the Chief Agricultural Officer by order published in the Gazette and also that such vegetables are declared by the importer solely for consumption as food; 3 of 1984. (ii) that proof that such vegetables are the produce of Central America or Mexico is furnished to an officer designated by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority either by production of a certificate of origin signed by an officer of the Department of Agriculture or of the Customs Department in one of such countries, or in such other manner as the said officer of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority may consider satisfactory; (iii) that a certificate of introduction is granted by the said officer of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority after inspection; 3 of 1984. (d) any plant of the citrus species, any coconut plant, tobacco seed, cotton plants, sugar cane plants or tomato seed except under a licence issued by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority; 3 of 1984. (e) any foliage, fruit or rhizome of the banana plant or any plant of any other species of Musa except under a licence issued by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority; (f) any earth or soil or dung of any description or any living plant not specifically mentioned in these Regulations, or any package used in connection with any such living plant unless a certificate of introduction is granted by an officer of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority. Conditions. 4. The officer issuing any certificate of introduction or licence under these Regulations may attach thereto such conditions as to disinfection as he may consider necessary. 5. Any designated officer of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority who has cause to believe that any person, receptacle or carrier (vehicle, aircraft or ship) coming into Belize possesses, carries or contains any fruits and vegetables, plant pests or diseases, plant products, planting material, soil or non- plant articles that constitute a risk to the agriculture of Belize shall have the power to stop and without warrant, inspect, search and examine such persons, receptacles or carriers with the cooperation of the Customs Officers and seize, detain, destroy or otherwise dispose of such fruits and vegetables, plant pests or diseases, plant products, planting materials, soil or other articles, without liability to the Government of Belize for such seizure, detention, destruction or disposal, Powers of Search. 3 of 1984. provided that the owner or importer of the abovementioned things shall have the option of forthwith returning them to the country of origin. 706 Powers to disinfect. 3 of 1984. 6. A designated officer of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority is hereby empowered to direct or authorise the disinfection, treatment and fumigation of buildings, vehicles, aircrafts or ships suspected of harbouring any pest or article likely to infect any plant with disease. Arrival notification. 3 of 1984. 7. It shall be the duty of the Comptroller of Customs to promptly notify the Belize Agricultural Health Authority of the arrival of any fruits and vegetables, plant products, planting material, soil or other articles affected by these Regulations, at the place of arrival and, further, to hold such material in the custody of Customs until approval is given for its release by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority. Exclusion of liability. 3 of 1984. 8. No liability shall attach to the Government of Belize for the destruction of material brought into Belize in violation of these Regulations. The Government is in no way liable for any damage done, or delays incurred by treatments or other quarantine action deemed necessary and performed under these Regulations. All treatments shall be deemed to be performed at the sole risk of the importer. Expenses; by whom to be met. 53 of 1996. 9. All expenses incurred in, or incidental to, plant quarantine or other action deemed necessary and performed under these Regulations during the process of importing into Belize or exporting out of Belize any plant, shall be paid in full by the consignee of such plant. Mail. 3 of 1984. 10. Any such products or articles as detailed in paragraphs 5 and 7 brought into Belize by mail shall be subject to these Regulations administered jointly by the Postal Authorities and the Belize Agricultural Health Authority. Powers of the Minister. 3 of 1984. 11. Notwithstanding the provisions of these Regulations, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority with the approval of the Minister, may from time to time by order published in the Gazette amend– (a) the list of countries from which fruits and vegetables, plant products and planting material may be imported; (b) the list of plant species and products which may be imported; (c) the list of prohibited plant diseases and pests. Such lists shall be available for inspection at the offices of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority and at all official ports of entry. 708 SCHEDULE [Regulation 2(1)] Plants, fruits and vegetables imported by the Government or the Belize Agricultural Health Authority for the use of the Government or the Belize Agricultural Health Authority for experimental or other purposes. Nuts other than peanuts. Dried, canned, candied or other processed fruit. Dried beans, peas and cereal grains. Canned and processed vegetables. Vegetable seeds other than tomato seeds. CHAPTER 211 BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (RESTRICTED PLANTS) ORDER ARRANGEMENT OF PARAGRAPHS 1. Citation 2. Schedule. SCHEDULE 710 CHAPTER 211 45 of 1989. CAP. 211. R.E. 2020. BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (RESTRICTED PLANTS) ORDER [Sections 2, 35, 86 and 88] [29th April, 1989.] 1. This Order may be cited as theBELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (RESTRICTED PLANTS) ORDER. 2. The plants set out in the Schedule to this Order are declared to be restricted plants for the purposes of section 35 (d) of the Act. SCHEDULE Genus & Species Common Names Chrisophyllum cainito Star Apple, Cainito Citrus aurantium Sour Orange Citrus paradisi Grapefruit, Pomelo Citrus reticulata Mandarin, Tangerine Citrus sinensis Sweet Orange Coffea arabica Coffee Eviaboytrya japonica Loquat Eugenia jambos Rose Apple Eugenia uniflora Suriname Cherry Fiscus cariba Higo, Fig. Malpighia glabra Wild Craboo, Barbados Cherry Manilkara acbras Raspberry Fiscus indica Cactus Fruit, Nopal Prunus salicina Plum Psiduim cattleianum Strawberry Psiduim guajava Guava, Guayaba Spondias mombin Hog Plum Spondias purpurea Plum, Ciruela Terminalia catapa Almond, Almendro Lycoperscion esculentum Tomato Capsicum sp. Peppers Carica papaya Papaya Achras sapota Sapodilla Theobroma cocoa Cocoa Passiflora edules Passion Fruit Citrullus lunatus Watermelon Cucurbita sp. Squash Cucums Melo Cantaloupe 712 Genus & Species Common Names Musa sapientum Banana Zlighia sapida Ackee Anacardium occidentale Cashew Persea americana Avocado Citrus aurantifolia Lime Citrus limon Lemon Fortunella spp. Kumquat Salanum melongena Eggplant Hibiscus esculentu Okra Annona cherimola Tulsib Cherimoya, Pox Annona muricata Soursap Annona squamosa Sweetsap, Custard Apple Averihoa carambola Star Fruit, Carambola Colocarpum mammosum Mammey, Mamey Sapote Casimiroa edulis White Sapote Nectarine Peach Pear Grape Almond Pineapple Apple CHAPTER 211 BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (RESTRICTED PLANTS) REGULATIONS ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS 1. Citation 2. Interpretation. 3. Prohibition. 4. Licence. 5. Removal. 6. Permit. 7. Offence. 714 CHAPTER 211 12 of 1967. CAP. 211. R.E. 2020. BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (RESTRICTED PLANTS) REGULATIONS (Sections 2, 35, 86, and 88) [4th March, 1967.] 1. These Regulations may be cited as theBELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (RESTRICTED PLANTS) REGULATIONS. Interpretation. 2. In these RegulationsCAP. 211. “Act” means the Belize Agricultural Health Authority Act; “Authority” means the Belize Agricultural Health Authority; “quarantine area” means any area declared to be a quarantine area by virtue of an order made under the Act; “restricted plant” means any plant declared to be a restricted plant by virtue of an order made under section 35(d) of the Act. Prohibition. 3. No person shall sell or in any other manner dispose of to any other person, or cultivate or harvest any restricted plant in a quarantine area other than in accordance with the terms and conditions of a licence issued under the Act. 4. The Belize Agricultural Health Authority with the approval of the Minister may issue a licence to any person to sell or dispose of to any other person or to cultivate or harvest any controlled plant in an infected plant area subject to such conditions as he may deem necessary. 5. No person shall remove any restricted plant from any place within a quarantine area to any other place whether within a quarantine area or not other than in accordance with the terms and conditions of a permit in writing issued by an officer of the Authority designated in that behalf. Permit. 6. An officer of the Authority designated in that behalf may issue a permit in writing subject to such conditions as he may deem necessary to an y person to remove any restricted plant from any place within a quarantine area to any other place whether within a quarantine area or not. Offence. 7. Any person who fails to comply with the provisions of these Regulations or with the conditions of any licence or permit issued under these Regulations or with any order issued by any person under the provisions of these Regulations shall be guilty of an offence and liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars. 716 CHAPTER 211 BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (NOTIFIABLE PESTS) ORDER ARRANGEMENT OF PARAGRAPHS 1. Citation 2. Sugar Cane Froghopper. 3. Smut disease. 4. Moko disease. 5. Wee Wee ants. 6. Citrus Tristeza virus. 7. Pink Mealybug. SCHEDULE CHAPTER 211 35 of 1979. 14 of 1981. 42 of 1983. 95 of 1995. 111 of 1999. CAP. 211. R.E. 2020. BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (NOTIFIABLE PESTS) ORDER [Sections 35, 86 and 88] [7th March, 1981.] 1. This Order may be cited as theCitation BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (NOTIFIABLE PESTS) ORDER. Sugar Cane Froghopper. CAP. 211. 2. The Sugar Cane Froghopper is hereby declared to be a notifiable pest within the meaning of section 35(a) of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority Act. Smut disease. CAP. 211. 3. The smut disease is hereby declared to be a notifiable disease within the meaning of the Belize Agricultural Health Act. Moko disease 42 of 1983. CAP. 211. 4. The moko disease is hereby declared to be a notifiable disease within the meaning of the Belize Agricultural Health Act. Wee Wee ants. 35 of 1979. CAP, 211. 5. All those species of ants commonly known as Wee Wee ants or parasol ants are hereby declared to be pests within the meaning of the Belize Agricultural Health Act. Citrus Tristeza virus. 95 of 1995. CAP. 211. 6.–(1) The citrus tristeza virus in its severe forms is hereby declare to be a notifiable disease within the meaning of the Belize Agricultural Health Act. 95 of 1995. Schedule. (2) The symptoms of the severe forms of the citrus tristeza virus are set out in the Schedule hereto. Pink Mealybug. CAP. 211. 7. The Pink Mealybug, also known as the Maconellicoccus Hirsutus (Green), is hereby declared to be a notifiable pest within the meaning of section 35(a) of the Belize Agricultural Health Act. 718 SCHEDULE [Paragraph 6] SYMPTOMS OF SEVERE FORMS OF CITRUS TRISTEZA VIRUS 1. Decline of citrus plants budded on Sour Oranges or other CTV- susceptible rootstocks, resulting in a combination of two or more of the following symptoms– (a) General leaf yellowing, compact short upright branching, dieback of twigs, defoliation and heavy crop of small fruits. (b) Slow decline resulting in honeycombing or pinholing or inverse stem pitting on the inner surface of the bark with corresponding pegs (medullary rays of woods) on the outer surface of sour orange rootstock trunk. (c) Pronounced overgrowth of the trunk immediately above the bud union. (d) Quick decline of the trees associated with phloem necrosis, revealed as a brownish yellow discoloration in the innerbark when the region of the bud union is cut open. 2. Stem pitting of citrus plants budded on to any variety of rootstock resulting in– (a) Tree decline associated with stem pits, longitudinal grooves in the wood above and below the bud union giving the trunk a rope like appearance; (b) Production of small, juiceless, plenty fruits; (c) Vein corking or vein bulging on the upper leaf surface of sweet orange cultivars. 720 CHAPTER 211 BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (NOTIFIABLE PLANT PEST) ORDER ARRANGEMENT OF PARAGRAPHS 1. Citation 2. Notifiable plant pest. 3. Commencement. SCHEDULE CHAPTER 211 119 of 2000. CAP 211. R.E. 2020. BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (NOTIFIABLE PLANT PEST) ORDER [2nd December, 2000.] Citation 1. This Order may be cited as theNOTIFIABLE PLANT PEST ORDER. 2. The pest set out in the Schedule to this Order is declared to be a Notifiable Plant Pest. Notifiable plant pest. Schedule. 3. This Order shall come into force on signature. Commencement. MADE by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority this 27th day of November, 2000. (DR. M. TEWES) Managing Director Belize Agricultural Health Authority APPROVED by the Minister responsible for Agriculture this 27th day of November, 2000. (DANIEL SILVA) Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries 722 SCHEDULE [Paragraph 2] Southern pine bark beetle, scientifically known as Dendroctonus frontalis. CHAPTER 211 NOTIFIABLE PLANT PEST (QUARANTINE AREA) ORDER ARRANGEMENT OF PARAGRAPHS 1. Citation 2. Quarantine area. 3. Commencement. SCHEDULE 724 CHAPTER 211 118 of 2000. CAP. 211. R.E. 2020. NOTIFIABLE PLANT PEST (QUARANTINE AREA) ORDER [2nd December, 2000.] 1. This Order may be cited as theNOTIFIABLE PLANT PEST (QUARANTINE AREA) ORDER. Quarantine area. Schedule. 2. The area set out in the Schedule to this Order is declared to be under quarantine for the purpose of controlling and preventing the spread of the Southern Pine Bark Beetles, Dendroctonus frontalis. Commencement. 3. This Order shall come into force on signature. MADE by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority this 27th day of November, 2000. (DR. M. TEWES) Managing Director Belize Agricultural Health Authority APPROVED by the Minister of Agriculture this 27th day of November, 2000. (DANIEL SILVA) Minister of Agriculture SCHEDULE [Paragraph 2] ALL THOSE AREA of pine forest and savannas found within the Mountain Pine Ridge area and the Chiqiubul Forest Reserve, including all those lands within the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and any adjacent national or private lands in the Cayo Administration District. 726 CHAPTER 211 QUARANTINE PEST AND QUARANTINE AREA (DECLARATION) ORDER ARRANGEMENT OF PARAGRAPHS 1. Citation 2. Declaration of quarantine area and quarantine pest. 3. Commencement. CHAPTER 211 76 of 2002. CAP. 211. R.E. 2020. QUARANTINE PEST AND QUARANTINE AREA (DECLARATION) ORDER (Section 33) [29th June, 2002.] 1. This Order may be cited as theCitation QUARANTINE PEST AND QUARANTINE AREA (DECLARATION) ORDER. Declaration of quarantine area and quarantine pest. 2. The entire town of Punta Gorda, extending north to the junction of Eldridge and the old road to Punta Gorda, is of hereby declared to be a quarantine area for the purpose of controlling the spread of medfly. 3. This Order shall come into force with effect from the 27th day of June, 2002. Commencement. MADE by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority this 27th day of June, 2002. (PAMELA SCOTT) Managing Director Belize Agricultural Health Authority APPROVED by the Minister responsible for Agriculture this 27th day of June, 2002. (DANIEL SILVA) Minister of Agriculture Fisheries and Cooperatives 728 CHAPTER 211 QUARANTINE PEST AND QUARANTINE AREA (DECLARATION) ORDER ARRANGEMENTS OF PARAGRAPHS 1. Citation 2. Declaration of quarantine area and quarantine pest. 3. Commencement. CHAPTER 211 CAP. 211. R.E. 2020. 104 of 2003. QUARANTINE PEST AND QUARANTINE AREA (DECLARATION) ORDER (Section 33) [Gazetted 19th July, 2003.] 1. This Order may be cited as theCitation QUARANTINE PEST AND QUARANTINE AREA (DECLARATION) ORDER. Declaration of quarantine area and quarantine pest. 2. The entire Southern Area from South Stann Creek extending south to Punta Gorda Town, is hereby declared to be a quarantine area for the purpose of controlling the spread of the medfly. Commencement. 3. This Order shall come into force with effect from the 4th day of July, 2003. MADE by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority this 4th day of July,2003. (NERIE SANZ) Managing Director Belize Agriculture Health Authority APPROVED by the Minister responsible for Agriculture this 4th day of July, 2003. (SERVULO BAEZA) Minister of Agriculture and fisheries 730 CHAPTER 211 BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (MEDITERRANEAN FRUIT FLY STATUS) REGULATIONS ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS 1. Citation 2. Declaration of pest free area. 3. Med Fly. 4. ISPM No. 4. 5. Commencement. CHAPTER 211 CAP. 211. R.E. 2020. 44 of 2007. BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (MEDITERRANEAN FRUIT FLY STATUS) REGULATIONS (Section 86(1)(tt)) [Gazetted 28th April, 2007] 1. These Regulations may be cited as theCitation BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (MEDITERRANEAN FRUIT FLY STATUS) REGULATIONS. Declaration of pest free area. 2. It is hereby declared that Belize is free from the Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Ceratitis capitata) Wied, also known as Med Fly. Med fly. 3. Med Fly is an insect of the order Diptera, family Tephritidae. ISPM No. 4. 4. In making this declaration, reference was made to International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) No. 4 (Requirements for the establishment of pest free areas) since it provides the general guideline on the establishment of pest areas. Commencement. 5. These Regulations shall come into force on the 17th day of April, 2007. MADE by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries this 17th day of April, 2007. (VILDO MARIN) Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries 732 CHAPTER 211 BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (QUARANTINE AREA AND QUARANTINE PEST) (DECLARATION) ORDER ARRANGEMENTS OF PARAGRAPHS 1. Citation 2. Declaration of quarantine area and quarantine pest. 3. Commencement. CHAPTER 211 CAP. 211. R.E. 2020. 68 of 2013. BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (QUARANTINE AREA AND QUARANTINE PEST) (DECLARATION) ORDER (Section 33) [Gazetted 13th July, 2013.] 1. This Order may be cited as theCitation BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (QUARANTINE AREA AND QUARANTINE PEST) (DECLARATION) ORDER. Declaration of quarantine area and quarantine pest. 2. The entire southern area of Belize from Silk Grass extending south to the town of Punta Gorda is hereby declared to be a quarantine area for the purpose of controlling and preventing the spread of the Mediterranean fruit fly. Commencement. 3. This Order shall come into force with effect from July 12th, 2013. MADE by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority this 12th day of July, 2013. (EMIR CRUZ) Managing Director Belize Agricultural Health Authority APPROVED by the Minister responsible for Agriculture this 12th day of July, 2013. GASPAR VEGA Minister responsible for Agriculture 734 CHAPTER 211 PLANT DISEASE (TOMATO SPOTTED WILT VIRUS AND BUD NECROSIS VIRUS) ORDER ARRANGEMENTS OF PARAGRAPHS 1. Citation 2. Plant disease. 3. Commencement. CHAPTER 211 CAP. 211. R.E. 2020. 97 of 2004. PLANT DISEASE (TOMATO SPOTTED WILT VIRUS AND BUD NECROSIS VIRUS) ORDER (Section 34) [Gazetted 22nd May, 2004.] 1. This Order may be cited as theCitation PLANT DISEASE (TOMATO SPOTTED WILT VIRUS AND BUD NECROSIS VIRUS) ORDER. Plant disease. CAP. 211. 2. The tomato spotted wilt virus and the bud necrosis virus are hereby declared to be plant disease within the meaning of section 2 of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority Act. Commencement. 3. This order shall come into force on the 3rd day of May, 2004. MADE by the Minister Responsible for Agriculture this 3rd day of May, 2004. (SERVULO BAEZA) Minister of Agricultural and Fisheries 736 CHAPTER 211 QUARANTINE PEST (THIRD PALMI) ORDER ARRANGEMENTS OF PARAGRAPHS 1. Citation 2. Quarantine pests. 3. Restriction on importation, sale, etc., of restricted articles. 4. Commencement. FIRST SCHEDULE SECOND SCHEDULE CHAPTER 211 CAP. 211. R.E. 2020. 98 of 2004. QUARANTINE PEST (THIRD PALMI) ORDER (Section 35(a) and (f)) [Gazetted 22nd May, 2004.] Citation 1. This Order may be cited as theQUARANTINE PEST (THIRD PALMI) ORDER. Quarantine pest. CAP. 211. 2.–(1) The thrips palmi (karny) commonly known as the melon thrips is hereby declared to be quarantine pest for the purposes of section 35(a) and (f) of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority Act. First Schedule. (2) The description of the pest and the plants on which it feeds are set out in the First Schedule hereto. Restriction on importation, sale, etc., of restricted articles. 3.–(1) A person shall– (a) immediately notify the Belize Agricultural Health Authority of the presence of the thrips palmi pest in the area; (b) not possess, carry, or import any plant material, cut flowers or plant products from infested areas without the prior written approval of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority. Second Schedule. (2) The regions specified in the Second Schedule hereto are deemed to be infested areas for the purpose of subparagraph 1(b), above, of this Order. Commencement. 4. This Order shall come into force the 3rd day of May, 2004. 738 MADE by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority this 3rd day of May, 2004. (NERIE SANZ) Managing Director Belize Agricultural Health Authority APPROVED by the Minister responsible for Agriculture this 3rd day of May, 2004. (SERVULO BAEZA) Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries FIRST SCHEDULE [Paragraph 2(2)] DESCRIPTION OF PEST AND PLANTS ON WHICH IT FEEDS The adult pest scientifically known as thrips palmi (karny) or commonly known as the melon thrips is pale yellow or whitish colour, having numerous dark hairs on the body and measuring 0.8-1.0 mm in length. The pest feeds on many plant species ranging from vegetables of the cucumber and tomato families to other crops and flowering plants such as avocado, citrus, cotton, mango, peach, plum, soybean, tobacco, carnation, chrysanthemum and hibiscus. 740 SECOND SCHEDULE [paragraph 3(2)] Africa Tropical Areas of Asia Australia Caribbean Campeche Central America Florida South America CHAPTER 211 BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (CITRUS CERTIFICATION) REGULATIONS ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS 1. Citation 2. Interpretation. 3. Nursery registration. 4. Regulation of nurseries already in existence. 5. Rules for establishing new nurseries. 6. Application for registration. 7. Application for re-registration. 8. Inspection. 9. Denial of registration and reinspection. 10. Suspension and cancellation of registration. 11. Suspension of certificate and reinspection. 12. Imported parent trees. 13. Local clones becoming parent trees. 14. Testing of new parent tree accessions. 15. Costs of testing, by whom borne. 16. Seed source tree certification. 742 17. Certification of already existing source trees. 18. Application for certification of seed source trees. 19. Application for re-certification of seed source trees. 20. Inspection. 21. Denial of certification and reinspection. 22. Suspension and cancellation of certification. 23. Reinspection. 24. Handling rootstock seed. 25. Pre-multiplication blocks (P-MBs). 26. Trees within a P-MB. 27. Budwood for P-MB. 28. Time limits on use of budwood from P-MB trees. 29. Multiplication blocks (MBs). 30. Trees within a MB. 31. Budwood for MBs. 32. Time limits on use of budwood from MB trees. 33. Use of MB trees as varietal block or certified citrus trees. 34. Propagation of certified citrus trees. 35. Nurseries propagating, certified trees. 36. Bud Cutting Form. 37. Tag for certified citrus trees. 38. Tree Movement Form 39. Varietal Blocks. 40. Appeal body. 41. Appeals. 42. Fees. 43. Offences and penalties. 44. Commencement. SCHEDULE 1 SCHEDULE 2 SCHEDULE 3 SCHEDULE 4 SCHEDULE 5 SCHEDULE 6 SCHEDULE 7 744 CHAPTER 211 36 of 2000. CAP. 211. R.E. 2020. BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (CITRUS CERTIFICATION) REGULATIONS [Sections 35, 86 and 88] [8th April, 2000.] WHEREAS, nursery owners and the Government have acknowledged a serious threat facing the citrus industry in Belize; AND WHEREAS, if unchecked, plant diseases such as the Citrus Tristeza Virus (CTV) will kill citrus trees throughout the country; AND WHEREAS, it has become expedient t6 establish a mandatory certification programme for citrus, to consist of a registration system for nurseries to ensure that they follow certain procedures designed to prevent the spread of CTV and other graft and seed transmissible diseases, and a tag system of citrus trees, to permit tracing of the source and movement of each citrus tree sold in Belize; NOW, THEREFORE it is hereby provided as follows1. These Regulations may be cited as theBELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (CITRUS CERTIFICATION) REGULATIONS. Interpretation. 2.–(1) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires“Belize Citrus Certification Programme” or “BCCP” means the mandatory programme outlined in these Regulations, and Guidelines, applicable to all persons propagating citrus in Belize: CAP. 255. “Board” means the Citrus Control Board established under the Citrus (Processing and Production) Act, or acting as its authorized representative, the Citrus Research and Education Institute (CREI) of the Belize Citrus Growers Association; “budwood” means a portion of a stem or branch with a vegetative bud or buds used in propagation for budding or grafting; “budwood bundle” means an individually wrapped package of budwood cut from a single parent tree or from a group of quick multiplication block trees originating from a single parent tree; “certified” means grapefruit, oranges, all other fruit of the genus citrus, and all citrus relatives; “clone” means an asexually reproduced cultivar or variety, or a group of genetically uniform trees that have been propagated vegetatively from a single parent tree; “graft and seed transmissible disease” means any disease agent spread by seed, vegetative and micro propagation, including known viruses, viroids, bacteria, spiroplasma, and other pathogens; “FAO” means the Food and Agricultural Organisation; “grower” means a person who cultivates citrus, on a large or small scale, for his or her own use or for commercial purposes; “Guidelines” means the guidelines for growers and nursery owners outlining the requirements of the BCCP; “Minister” means the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Cooperatives; “nursery” means any place where citrus trees are propagated; 746 “owner” means a person receiving rent for land, whether on his or her own account or as agent or representative for any other person, or the occupier of such land, meaning the person in actual occupation of any land; “pre-multiplication blocks” means specially designated nursery propagation under protected conditions made to rapidly multiply supplies of budwood for multiplication blocks tree production; “multiplication blocks” means specially designated nursery propagations under protected conditions made to rapidly multiply supplies of budwood for citrus tree production; “seed” means a genetic reproduction unit following sexual recombination, which is used for the production of rootstocks for citrus propagation. CAP. 211. (2) The Belize Agricultural Health Authority established under the Belize Agricultural Health Authority Act shall be the principal certifying agency pursuant to the Belize Agricultural Health Authority Act and in that capacity hereby delegates to the Board the power to administer these Regulations, so that, however, if any fees and penalties are to be paid to the Board, the Board shall pay to the Belize Agricultural Health Authority such portion of such fees or penalties as may be mutually agreed between the two entities and if the Board is required to issue any certificate or maintain any documents whatsoever, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority shall have the power to inspect such certificates and documents and to take whatever action it deems necessary as provided under the Belize Agricultural Health Authority Act. Nursery registration. 3.–(1) Every owner of a nursery in Belize intending to produce citrus trees shall register that nursery with the Board in accordance with the BCCP. (2) Each nursery site shall be separately registered and assigned a nursery registration number. (3) Registration shall be granted only to nurseries meeting the requirements specified in these Regulations and the Guidelines. Registration of nurseries already in existence. 4.–(1) For any nursery already in existence at the commencement of these Regulations, the owner shall have two years from that date to relocate or modify the nursery to meet the requirements for registration, and to register such nursery under the BCCP. (2) After the time period referred to in subregulation (1) above has elapsed, no owner shall continue to operate any nursery not registered under the BCCP. Rules for establishing new nurseries. 5. No person shall establish a new nursery on a site which may be contaminated with run-off water from other citrus plantings in the vicinity, or which has previously been planted with citrus, unless the Board certifies that the site meets the requirements specified in the Guidelines. Application for registration. 6.–(1) Any person wishing to register a nursery shall for– (a) submit a Nursery Application Form as set out in the Schedule 1 hereto; Schedule 1. (b) pay the non-refundable fee specified in Schedule 7 hereto; Schedule 7. (c) sign a declaration agreeing to comply with the Guidelines. (2) An application for an already existing nursery shall be submitted no more than two years after the commencement of these Regulations. (3) An application for a new nursery shall be submitted at least two months before any sowing or planting is intended to commence at the site. 748 Application for re-registration. 7. An application for re-registration shall be made– (a) in the same manner as the initial application, save and except that the fee shall be that specified in Schedule 7; Schedule 7. (b) at least two months before the-expiration of the current registration. Inspection. 8.–(1) Upon receipt of an application for registration or re- registration, the Board shall carry out an inspection of the nursery site, to determine whether it meets the requirements for registration under the BCCP. Schedule 2. (2) If the application is approved, the Board shall notify the applicant in writing an issue or reissue a Nursery Registration Certificate in the form set out in Schedule 2 hereto. (3) Registration shall be valid for a period of time determined by the Board and as stated in the Guidelines. Denial of registration and re-inspection. 9.–(1) Where an application for nursery registration is denied, the Board shall issue a written notice to the applicant citing the reasons for the denial, and shall give the applicant an appropriate time frame to correct the problems cited in the notice. (2) After the time frame referred to in subregulation (1) above has elapsed, the Board shall carry out a reinspection, approving the application if the problems have been corrected or denying the application if the problems have not been corrected. Schedule 7. (3) Where an application is not approved after the reinspection under subregulation (2) above, any further submission by an applicant wishing to register that nursery site shall be considered a new application and shall be accompanied by the non-refundable fee specified in Schedule 7 hereto. Suspension and cancellation of registration. 10. A nursery registration certificate issued in respect of and any nursery pursuant to regulation 8 (2) above may be suspended or cancelled by the Board where– (a) an owner– (i) misrepresents any nursery stock as being certified; (ii) knowingly sells trees infected with a graft or seed transmissible disease; (iii) otherwise contravenes the provisions of these Regulations; or (iv) voluntarily requests such cancellation in writing. (b) inspection by the Board reveals that the Guidelines are not being followed. 11.–(1) Where nursery registration is suspended, the Board shall issue a written notice to the owner citing the reasons for the suspension, and shall give the owner an appropriate time frame to correct the problems cited in that notice. Suspension of certificate and reinspection. (2) After the time frame referred to in subregulation (1) has elapsed, the Board shall carry out a reinspection, reissuing the certificate if the problems have been corrected. 12. All parent trees shall beImported parent trees. (a) bearing citrus trees obtained as pathogen-free accessions from a clean stock programme that implements or complies with the FAO/IPGRI Guidelines for the Safe Movement of Citrus Germplasm or any other clean stock programme recommended by the Board. 750 (b) tested for diseases specified in the Guidelines at intervals determined by the Board; and (c) maintained by the Board and at locations determined by the Board. Local clones becoming parent trees. 13.–(1) A local clone may become a parent tree upon recommendation by the Board, where it meets the requirements specified in the Guidelines. (2) On selection of a local clone to become a parent tree, the Board shall collect appropriate propagating material and forward it as necessary to be treated and indexed to verify freedom from graft-transmissible diseases, and returned as a pathogen-free accession. Testing of new parent tree accessions. 14.–(1) For all new accessions of prospective parent trees, the Board shall carry out indexes specified in the Guidelines. (2) Budwood testing negative to the diseases under subregulation (1) above may be conditionally released for propagation of quick multiplication block trees and certified citrus trees, but shall, be subject to recall and destruction on the initiative of the Board, upon detection of a graft or seed transmissible disease. Costs of testing, by whom borne. 15.–(1) The cost of any actions taken under regulation 12(b), 13(2), or 14(l) above borne shall be borne by the Board. (2) The cost of any action taken under Regulation 14(2) shall be borne by the grower or nursery owner, but replacement budwood of the same type and amount as that originally provided shall be furnished free of charge by the Board. Seed source tree certification. 16.–(1) Every grower in Belize intending to produce citrus seed shall certify each prospective seed source tree in accordance with the BCCP. (2) Each certified seed source tree shall be assigned a separate tree identification number. Certification of already existing source trees. 17.–(1) Any tree existing on the commencement of these Regulations may be certified by the Board as a seed source tree if it has borne fruit that is seed horticulturally true to type and has no evidence of bud mutations on the foliage. (2) Application for certification of a tree referred to in subregulation (1) above shall be made– (a) within three months of the implementation date of the BCCP; (b) in the same manner as application for a new seed source tree. Application for certification of seed source trees. Schedule 4. 18. Any person wishing to apply for certification of a seed source tree under regulation 16 or 17 above shall– (a) submit a Seed Source Tree Application Form as set out in Schedule 4 hereto at least eight months before the intended use of the seed; (b) pay the non-refundable fee specified in Schedule 7; Schedule 7. (c) sign a declaration agreeing to comply with the Guidelines. 19. Application for re-certification shall beApplication for recertification of seed source tree. (a) made in the same manner as the initial application; (b) submitted at least eight months before the expiration of the current certification. 752 Inspection. 20.–(1) Upon receipt of an application for certification or re- certification of a seed source tree, the Board shall carry out a visual inspection of the prospective seed source tree and the trees immediately surrounding it during fruiting to determine whether the requirements specified in the Guidelines are met. (2) If the inspection under subregulation (1) above is satisfactory, the Board shall collect buds from the prospective seed source tree and index them for the psorosis complex of viruses. (3) If the disease indexing under subregulation (2) above is negative, the Board shall approve the application and issue or reissue a Seed Source Tree Certificate in the form set out in Schedule 5 hereto. Schedule 5. (4) Certification and re-certification shall be valid for four years. Denial of certification and reinspection. 21.–(1) Where an application for certification of a seed source tree is denied, the Board shall issue a written notice to the applicant citing the reasons for the denial, and shall give the applicant an frame to correct the problems cited in the notice. (2) After the time frame referred to in subregulation (1) above has elapsed, the Board shall carry out a reinspection, approving the application if the problems have been corrected or denying the application if the problems have not been corrected. Schedule 7. (3) Where an application is not approved after reinspection under subregulation (2) above, any further submission by an applicant wishing to have that seed source tree certified by the Board shall be considered to be a new application and shall be accompanied by the non-refundable fee specified in Schedule 7 hereto. Suspension and cancellation of certification. 22. Certification of a seed source tree maybe suspended and or cancelled by the Board where– (a) annual inspection by a representative of the Board during fruiting reveals evidence of– (i) symptoms of graft-transmissible disease on the seed source tree or any of the trees immediately surrounding that tree; (ii) careless handling of seeds collected from the seed source tree or the records thereof, likely to confuse the facts regarding identity of the seed source tree; (iii) an unacceptable degree of mutation on fruit and/or foliage of the seed source tree; (iv) other violations determined by the Board and as specified in the Guidelines; (b) indexing procedures as specified in the Guidelines indicate the presence of any seed borne disease; (c) the certificate holder voluntarily requests cancellation in writing. 23.–(1) Where certification is suspended, the Board shall issue a written notice to the owner citing the reasons for the suspension, and shall give the owner an appropriate time frame to correct the problems cited in that notice. Reinspection. (2) After the time frame referred to in subregulation (1) above has elapsed, the Board shall carry out a reinspection, reinstating the certification if the problems have been corrected or cancelling the certification if the problems have not been corrected. 754 Handling of rootstock seed. 24. All rootstock seed from harvest shall undergo the handling procedures specified in the Guidelines prior to use. Pre- multiplication blocks (P-MBs). 25. Pre-multiplication blocks, which may consist of field- grown, or container grown citrus trees shall be– (a) propagated under protected conditions; (b) propagated on vigorous rootstocks; (c) separated from other propagations as specified in the Guidelines; (d) identified with plainly visible, durable markers. Trees within a P-MB. 26. Trees within a pre-multiplication block from the same clone shall be separated by the gap specified in the Guidelines, with the block properly labelled with the clone and date on which it was budded. Budwood for P-MB. 27.–(1) All budwood used for pre-multiplication blocks shall come from parent trees maintained by the Board, and bud cutting must be witnessed by an authorized representative of the Board. Time limits on use of budwood from P-MB trees. 28.–(1) Pre-multiplication block trees– (a) may serve as sources of budwood for production of quick multiplication block trees and certified citrus trees for a period determined by the Board; (b) shall be tested for diseases specified in the Guidelines at intervals determined by the Board. (c) shall be maintained by the Board and at locations determined by the Board. Multiplication Blocks (MBs). 29. Multiplication blocks, which shall consist of field-grown or container-grown citrus trees, shall be– (a) propagated under protected conditions; (b) propagated on vigorous rootstocks; (c) separated from other propagations as specified in the guidelines; (d) identified with plainly visible, durable markers. Trees within a MB. 30. Trees within a multiplication block from the same clone shall be separated by the gap specified in the Guidelines, with the block properly labelled with the clone and date on which it was budded. Budwood for MBs. 31.–(1) All budwood used for multiplication blocks shall come from pre-multiplication blocks or parent trees maintained by the Board, and bud cutting must be witnessed by an authorized representative of the Board. (2) Any person acquiring or receiving a budwood bundle for the purpose of establishing a multiplication block shall complete the appropriate section of the Bud Cutting Form as set out in Schedule 3 hereto which accompanied the budwood bundle, retaining one copy and submitting the original to CREI within 30 days. Schedule 3. 32.–(1) Multiplication block treesTime limits on use of budwood from MB trees. (a) may serve as sources of budwood for production of certified citrus trees for a period determined by the Board from bud cutting is witnessed by an authorized representative of the Board; 756 (b) shall be tested for CTV at the expense of the owner at intervals determined by the Board. (2) If no CTV is found upon testing under subregulation (1)(b) above, or if CTV is present at an incidence specified in the Guidelines and the CTV-infected trees are removed from the multiplication block, the time period listed in subregulation 1(a) may be extended, at the discretion of the Board. Use of MB trees as varietal block or certified citrus trees. 33. Multiplication block trees may be used as varietal block trees, or as certified citrus trees, if they are planted after the time period cited in regulation 32 (l)(a) or (2), as the case may be. Propagation of certified citrus trees. 34. Certified citrus trees shall be propagated from budwood collected from multiplication block trees maintained by the Board or by an authorized representative, or pre-multiplication block trees or parent trees maintained by the Board. Nurseries propagating certified trees. 35. Any nursery which intends to produce certified Citrus trees shall ensure that– (a) budwood is collected into budwood bundles; (b) each budwood bundle is accompanied by the Bud Cutting Form as specified in the Guidelines; (c) the source for initial budding is identified; (d) where rebudding is necessary, buds from the same bud source as the original bud are used. Bud Cutting Form. 36. Any person acquiring or receiving a budwood bundle for the purpose of producing certified citrus trees shall complete the appropriate section of the Bud Cutting Form specified in Schedule 3, which accompanied the budwood bundle, retaining one copy and submitting the original to CREI within 30 days. Schedule 3. Tag for certified Citrus trees. Schedule 7. 37. After receipt of the completed Bud Cutting Form and upon payment of the non-refundable fee specified in Schedule 7, the Board shall issue and send to the nursery owner a tag labelled with the nursery registration number, the clone, the rootstock, and date of budding, to identify each certified citrus tree. Tree Movement Form. Schedule 6. 38.–(1) Whenever a certified citrus tree leaves a nursery for purposes of sale or otherwise, the nursery owner shall submit a Tree Movement Form as set out in Schedule 6 hereto, to CREI within 30 days, retaining one copy and providing another copy to the person receiving the certified citrus tree. Varietal blocks. 39. Varietal blocks shall consist of a group of at least five trees originating from the same parent tree for horticultural evaluation purposes. Appeal body. 40.–(1) There is hereby established an Appeal Body of four members, to consist of– (a) one member selected by the Board of Directors of CREI; (b) one member selected by the Management Committee of the Citrus Growers Association; (c) one member selected by the Solicitor General, to provide legal and administrative expertise; and (d) one member selected by the Board of Directors of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority. (2) The Appeal Body may adopt standing orders to regulate, its own Meetings and procedures. 41.–(1) Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Board under these Regulations, including but not limited to a decision to deny an application or to cancel a registration or certification, Appeals. 758 may file a written appeal with the Appeal Body within 30 days of the adverse decision. (2) The Appeal Body shall, within 30 days of the filing of the grounds of appeal, proceed to hear the appeal and make a determination in respect thereof. Fees. Schedule 7. 42.–(1) Fees specified in Schedule 7 shall be submitted to CREI, for and on behalf of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority. (2) Fees not paid within 30 days of billing shall be considered in default. A penalty of five percent of the unpaid balance shall be charged as determined by the Board and stated in the Guidelines. (3) The Board shall, upon receiving any fee, issue a receipt to the grower or nursery owner who submitted the fee. Offences and penalties. 43. A person who contravenes the provisions of these Regulations commits an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both such fine and imprisonment. Commencement. 44. These Regulations shall come into force on the 27th day of March, 2000. MADE by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Cooperatives this 27th day of March, 2000. (DANIEL SILVA) Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Cooperatives SCHEDULE 1 (Reg. 6(1)(a)) BELIZE CITRUS CERTIFICATION PROGRAMME (BCCP) NURSERY APPLICATION FORM (FORM AF) Tick correct/one: ___________New Application ___________Renewal The undersigned grower (Applicant) is applying to be a participant or is a participant in the Belize Citrus Certification Programme (BCCP), and agrees to: (1) carefully and completely read the Regulations and Guidelines supplied after payment of the registration fee; (2) Abide by all requirements set forth and described in the said Regulations including any future amendments thereto. _____________________________ _____________________________ Date of application/Renewal Name of Nursery _____________________________ _____________________________ Printed Name of Applicant Location of Nursery I hereby certify that this information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief _____________________________ _____________________________ (Signature of Applicant) (Mailing Address of Applicant) ___________________________________________________________ Telephone Fax E-mail of Applicant (if applicable) Method of Payment: Cash: $_________ Cheque: #________ Credit Card: _________ NOTE: Application must be signed by the owner if applicant is sole proprietorship, by a managing partner if a partnership, or by an executive officer, if a corporation. Retain a copy and submit the original to: BCCP c/o Citrus Research and Education Institute, P.O. Box 72, Dangriga, 9 Miles, Stann Creek Vally Road (Telephone: 05-23535, Fax 05-23511) 760 SCHEDULE 2 (Reg. 8(2)) BELIZE CITRUS CERTIFICATION PROGRAMME (BCCP) NURSERY REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE (NRC) Name of Nursery: __________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________ City/Town: ______________________ District: _________________________ Assigned Nursery Registration Number: _________________________________ This nursery is authorized to store, offer for sale, or sell certified citrus trees in accordance with the Belize Citrus Certification Programme (BCCP) as set forth in the Regulations to section 15(f) of the Plant Protection Act, Chapter 178 of the Laws of Belize and Guidelines (i.e. The Plant Protection (Citrus Certification) Regulations, 2000). The nursery owner or representative agrees to hold harmless, release, and forever discharge the BCCP, its agents, and employees from, and waive any and all responsibility of the same for, any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, loss, and damage of any kind whatsoever sustained by reason of: (a) defects which develop and/or are discovered after the subject plant material(s) have matured. (b) latent defects or diseases in the plant material. (c) genetic or other defects which develop and/or manifests itself after budwood of the selection is sold to the nursery owner or representative. (d) Genetic or other defects which develops and/or manifest itself in the progeny of the selected plant material(s). The nursery site and facilities have been inspected and found to meet the conditions required by the BCCP. Registration valid from: ____________________ Registration expires on: ____________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ Signature of Nursery Owner or Representative Signature of the BCCP Representative THIS CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED PROMINENTLY AT THE NURSERY SITE. 762 The purpose of this form is to record all bud cutting of certified budwood which is used to establish certified scion Right-hand portion, to be filled out by the nursery receiving the Buds are being cut to establish pre-multiplication block trees Buds are being cut to establish multiplication block trees Buds are being cut to establish certified citrus trees Buds are being cut to establish varietal block trees Buds are being cut to establish seed sources trees BELIZE CITRUS CERTIFICATION PROGRAMME (BCCP) trees, varietal block trees, multiplication block trees, and certified citrus trees. BUD CUTTING FORM (BCF) (Regs. 31(2) and 36) SCHEDULE 3 - - - - - Left-hand portion, to be filled out by Check as appropriate: Clone/Variety Identification Number No. of buds cut Rebud* Date Cut Bud supplied by: __________________________________________________ (Nursery Name) Signature: _______________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________ Nursery Registration No.: ___________________________________________ Witness: _________________________________________________________ (Name and Signature of BCCP Authorised Representative witnessing the bud cutting) *Rebud = check this column if the buds are being used to rebud previously budded rootstocks. The same clone/variety identification number must be used as was used initially. Retain a copy and submit the original to: Belize Citrus Certification Programme c/o CREI, P.O. Box 72, Dangriga Town, or 9 miles Stann Creek Valley Road./ Tel: 05-23535 Fax: 05-23511 764 Root Stock Nursery block/ S. Row/Bench No. of trees MG No.** House Budded I hereby certify that this information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. Buds received by: ______________________ __________________________ (person receiving buds) (nursery name receiving buds) ____________________ ____________________ (Name and title for receiving nursery) (Signature) ** = Multiplication block number assigned if a multiplication block is being established. SCHEDULE 4 (Reg. 18(a)) BELIZE CITRUS CERTIFICATION PROGRAMME (BCCP) SEED SOURCE TREE APPLICATION (STA) Date: ____________________ In compliance with the BCCP, I apply for the following tree to be certified as a seed source tree. Variety of Tree: ____________________________________________________ Location: Block, Row and Tree: _______________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ Draw a map below to enable BCCP authorized personnel to locate the tree for evaluation. Person Making Application: __________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ (Name and Signature) Nursery Name: __________________ Nursery Registration Number: _______ Address: __________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ Retain a copy and submit the original to: BCCP, c/o Citrus Research and Education Institute, P.O. Box 72, Dangriga, 9 miles Stann Creek Valley Road (Telephone 05-23535, Fax 05-23511) 766 SCHEDULE 5 (Reg. 20(3)) BELIZE CITRUS CERTIFICATION PROGRAMME (BCCP) NURSERY REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE (NRC) In compliance with the BCCP, the following tree was inspected as a seed source tree: Variety of Tree: ____________________ Location: (Block, row and tree) ________________________________________ Tick appropriate response upon inspection: Yes No ___ ___ Did the candidate tree exist upon implementation of the BCCP? ___ ___ If not, has the candidate tree been propagated from BCCP parent tree(s) or certified scion tree(s)? ___ ___ Is the candidate tree located in a satisfactory growing location? ___ ___ Is the candidate tree vigorous? ___ ___ Are fruit present on the candidate tree? ___ ___ Are the fruit true-to-type for the variety considering the exterior appearance? ___ ___ Are the interior colour, appearance and number of seeds consistent with that expected for the variety? ___ ___ Are the fruit free of abnormality or mutation? ___ ___ Is the tree free of abnormalities of the foliage including variegation, rosetting, and leaf distortion? ___ ___ Is the tree free of trunk abnormalities such as gals, bulging at the bud union, or bark scaling? ___ ___ Is the tree free of gummosis? ___ ___ Is the tree free of any evidence of infection by viruses or other graft transmittable disease? ___ ___ Are the trees immediately surrounding the candidate tree apparently healthy and free of disease and/or abnormalities? ___ ___ Does the biological index from this tree indicate freedom from the psorosis complex of viruses? If all of the above requirements are satisfactory, this tree is hereby certified as a seed source tree in the BCCP, and the following tree identification number is assigned: ____________________ Date of Issue: __________________ This certificate expires on: _____________ Applicant please note that the tree identification number must be clearly marked on the tree with a durable marker. Owner’s Name: ____________________________________________________ Person Making Application: _______________ _______________ (Printed Name) (Signature) Nursery Name and Registration Number, if applicable: _____________________ _________________________________________________________________ ____________________ ____________________ (Printed Name of BCCP Authorized (Signature) Representative) 768 SCHEDULE 6 (Reg. 38(1)) BELIZE CITRUS CERTIFICATION PROGRAMME (BCCP) TREE MOVEMENT FORM (TM FORM) The purpose of this Tree Movement Form (TM Form) is to record the movement of certified citrus trees from the nursery where they were propagated or sold to their planting location. Date: ____________________ In compliance with the BCCP, I hereby state that the following certified citrus trees are going to be moved: _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ Variety/Clone Identification Number/Date Cut/Rootstock/(Block or House)/(Row or Bench)/MB No. (taken from Form BC completed when the buds were cut from these trees) Number of Certified Citrus Trees being moved _________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________ ______________________ (Name of Person or Farm receiving these trees) Address Grove/Block location(s) where the Certified Citrus Trees are to be planted (contact CREI for the codes of the Grove/Block locations if this information is unknown): _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ I hereby certify that this information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Trees Supplied By: _________________________________________________ _______________ _______________ (Printed Name) (Signature) Address: __________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ Retain a copy and submit the original to: BCCP, c/o Citrus Research and Education Institute, P.O. Box 72, Dangriga, 9 miles Stann Creek Valley Road (Telephone 05-23535, Fax 05-23511) 770 SCHEDULE 7 (Regs. 6, 7, 9, 18, and 21) BELIZE CITRUS CERTIFICATION PROGRAMME (BCCP) FEES FOR SERVICES (1) Application for: (a) Nursery registration or re-registration ...............................$100.00 (b) Seed source tree certification or re-certification ...............$100.00 (2) Tag for certified citrus tree: ....................................................$40.00 (3) Testing for: (a) CTV (ELISA) .........................................................$3.00 per tree or composite sample of 5 trees from QMB trees (b) CTV (ELISA) for tree older than 2 years ..........................$10.00 (c) Citrus viroids (Citron/PAGE or PCR) ...............................$10.00 Psorosis complex of viruses (biological) ...........................$10.00 Tatterleaf virus ...................................................................$10.00 Woody gall ........................................................................$10.00 Citrus Variegated Chlorosis (CVC) ...................................$10.00 Greening ............................................................................$10.00 Stubborn .............................................................................$10.00 (4) Budwood: (a) For certified citrus trees production ........................$0.10 per eye ($5.00 minimum) (b) For multiplication block trees production..........................$1.00 per eye (5) Witnessing bud cutting: ..................................................$5.00 per 1000 budeyes cut ($5.00 minimum) (6) Inspection of Multiplication Block Trees: ......................$5.00 per 100 trees CHAPTER 211 NOTIFIABLE PLANT PEST (CITRUS CANKER AND CITRUS LEPROSIS) ORDER ARRANGEMENT OF PARAGRAPHS 1. Citation 2. Notifiable plant pests. 3. Restrictions on sale, etc., of restricted articles. 4. Commencement. 772 CHAPTER 211 77 of 2002. CAP. 211. R.E. 2020. NOTIFIABLE PLANT PEST (CITRUS CANKER AND CITRUS LEPROSIS) ORDER (Section 35 (a) and (f)) [29th June, 2002.] 1. This Order may be cited as theNOTIFIABLE PLANT PESTS (CITRUS CANKER AND CITRUS LEPROSIS) ORDER. Notifiable plant pests. 2. It is hereby notified and declared that Citrus Canker and Citrus Leprosis are notifiable plant pests for the purposes of section 35 (a) and (f) of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority Act. CAP. 211. Restrictions on sale, etc., of restricted articles. 3. A person shall– (a) immediately notify the Belize Agricultural Health Authority of the presence or suspected presence of Citrus Canker or Citrus Leprosis in any area; (b) not possess, carry or import wooden pallets made from Citrus Canker from infested areas; (c) not possess, carry or import citrus products or plant parts from infested areas without the prior written approval of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority. Commencement. 4. This Order shall come into force on the 15th day of March, 2002. MADE by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority this 15th day of March, 2002. (PAMELA SCOTT) Managing Director, Belize Agricultural Health Authority APPROVED by the Minister responsible for Agriculture this 15th day of March, 2002. (DANIEL SILVA) Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Cooperatives 774 CHAPTER 211 BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (NOTIFIABLE PLANT PEST) (CITRUS GREENING) ORDER ARRANGEMENT OF PARAGRAPHS 1. Citation 2. Declaration of notifiable plant pest. 3. Repeal of S.I. 90 of 2009. 4. Commencement. CHAPTER 211 CAP. 211. R.E. 2020. 124 of 2009. BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (NOTIFIABLE PLANT PEST) (CITRUS GREENING) ORDER (Sections 35) [Gazetted 7th November, 2009.] CONSIDERING the importance of the citrus industry to Belize; GIVEN the fact that it has been confirmed that the bacteria (Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus) that causes the devastating citrus disease known as citrus greening or huanglongbing is now present in Belize; RECOGNIZING the fact that significant spread of this disease occurs due to the movement of plant material that is either infected with the bacterium or carrying the infected psyllid Diaphorina citri; IT IS RESOLVED that immediate measures need to be implemented to restrict the movement of planting material (citrus and other hosts of the disease or vector) (except fruits) until officers of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority advise the Minister on the status of the disease in the country; NOW THEREFORE, the following Order is made. 1. This Order may be cited as theCitation BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (NOTIFIABLE PLANT PEST) (CITRUS GREENING) ORDER. 776 Declaration of notifiable plant pest. CAP. 211. 2. It is hereby notified and declared that Citrus Greening or huanglongbing is a notifiable plant pest for the purposes of section 35 of Part VII of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority Act. Repeal of S.I. 90 of 2009. 3. On the commencement of this Order the Notifiable Plant Pest (Citrus Greening) Order, 2009 (S.I. 90 of 2009) shall stand repealed but without prejudice to the validity of anything done thereunder. Commencement. 4. This Order comes into force on the 26th day of October, 2009. MADE by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority this 26th day of October, 2009. (DR. EDWIN MARTINEZ) Managing Director, Belize Agricultural Health Authority APPROVED by the Minister responsible for Agriculture this 30th day of October, 2009. (RENE MONTERO) Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries CHAPTER 211 BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (NOTIFIABLE PLANT PEST) (CITRUS GREENING) REGULATIONS. ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS 1. Citation 2. Citrus greening to be reported. 3. Restrictions. 4. Task Force. 5. Confiscation. 6. Inspections. 7. Offence and Penalty. 8. Commencement. SCHEDULE 778 CHAPTER 211 CAP. 211. R.E. 2020. 122 of 2009. BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (NOTIFIABLE PLANT PEST) (CITRUS GREENING) REGULATIONS. (Sections 35, and 86) [Gazetted 31st October, 2009.] CONSIDERING the importance of the citrus industry to Belize; GIVEN the fact that it has been confirmed that the bacteria (Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus) that causes the devastating citrus disease known as citrus greening or huanglongbing is now present in Belize; RECOGNIZING the fact that significant spread of this disease occurs due to the movement of plant material that is either infected with the bacterium or carrying the infected psyllid Diaphorina citri; IT IS RESOLVED that immediate measures need to be implemented to restrict the movement of planting material (citrus and other hosts of the disease or vector) (except fruits) until officers of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority advise the Minister on the status of the disease in the country: NOW THEREFORE, the following Regulations are made 1. These Regulations may be cited as theBELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (NOTIFIABLE PLANT PEST) (CITRUS GREENING) REGULATIONS. Citrus greening to be reported. 2. Every person shall immediately notify the Belize Agricultural Health Authority of the presence or suspected presence of citrus greening in any area. Restrictions. 3.–(1) A person is restricted from moving– (a) any citrus planting material with the exception of fruits; and (b) the species of the order Rutaceae that are known to be host for the bacteria that causes greening or the vector that spreads greening, including Murraya paniculata (orange jasmine) and Artocarpus heterophyllus (jackfruit). (2) In order to reduce the possibility of further spread of the citrus greening disease, the movement of the citrus plants mentioned in subparagraph (b) above is restricted and movement may occur only in the following circumstances– (a) where nurseries are neighbouring the grove, planting of plants from the nursery within that grove will be permitted; that is, minimal movement of citrus plants will be permitted; (b) where nursery owners or grove owners wish to move plants to a distance from the nursery location, owners must obtain a Plant Health Movement Permit from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority and movement of plants will be allowed to occur in strict compliance with the conditions stipulated by Belize Agricultural Health Authority in the Plant Health Movement Permit as prescribed in the Schedule to these Regulations. Schedule. (3) As at February 1st 2010 all citrus nursery plants produced in Belize arc hereby required to be produced under a psyllid- 780 proof screened structure approved by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority and in accordance with the Plant Protection (Citrus Certification) Regulations 2000 (S.I. No. 36 of 2000). (4) For the purposes of subregulation (3), the following basic conditions shall apply– (a) the size of a nursery shall depend on the objectives of the nursery owner; (b) the number of plants in a nursery shall not exceed the capacity of the nursery in a way that could impede official inspection or compromise the screen structure; (c) the entire screened structure must be properly sealed with a screen to prevent the entry of psyllids; (d) the screen used shall be no less than a 50 mesh lumite type or similar mesh material; (e) a nursery structure shall have a two-door entry system which doors must be separated by a vestibule or anteroom; (f) the immediate area surrounding the nursery shall be maintained free of weeds and host plants. (5) Citrus plants certified by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority to have been produced in accordance with subregulation (3) shall be allowed to be moved and planted throughout the country. (6) Certification of citrus plants as prescribed in subregulation (5) above shall be done by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority in accordance with the Plant Protection (Citrus Certification) Regulations 2000 (S.I. No.36 of 2000). Task Force. 4.–(1) It is hereby declared that in the urgency of the situation a taskforce be appointed by the Minister responsible for Agriculture to develop national strategies and coordinate the activities of surveillance, eradication and management of the disease and its vector diaphorina citri. (2) The task force declared to be appointed pursuant to subregulation (1) shall be composed of– (a) the Chief Agricultural Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture; (b) the Director of the Plant Health Department of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority; (c) a representative appointed by the Board of Directors of the Citrus Growers Association; (d) the Director of the Citrus Research & Education Institute; (e) a representative appointed by the Minister of Agriculture to represent citrus nursery producers; (f) a representative appointed from the International Regional Organization for Plant and Animal Health (OIRSA); (g) a representative appointed from the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI); (h) a representative appointed from the University of Belize. (3) The task force may co-opt additional members who can provide specific expertise on an ad hoc basis. 782 (4) The responsibilities of the task force include– (a) monitoring the data on the incidence and spread of the citrus greening disease and using the data to make recommendations on immediate actions required to reduce further spread of the disease; (b) keeping abreast of the latest technological developments in the control of the disease and its vector; (c) fostering collaboration between local, regional and international agencies that have the capacity to provide support to control HLB greening in Belize; (d) advising officials of the regulatory agencies and the citrus industry on the strategies required to minimize the spread of the disease and mitigate its impact on citrus production; (e) lobbying for political and other support to provide the necessary resources and regulatory frameworks necessary for strategy implementation. 5.–(1) Where the Belize Agricultural Health Authority is notified of the presence or suspected presence of citrus greening in a nursery owned or operated by a person, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority shall enter the premises and confiscate the plants reasonably believed to be infected. (2) Plants confiscated pursuant to subregulation (1) shall be tested for the presence of citrus greening and plants which are confirmed to be infected shall be destroyed by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority at the expense of the owner of the nursery where the plants were confiscated from. (3) Where a person moves citrus planting material and species or either of them of the order Rutaceae including Murraya paniculata and Artocarpus heterophyllus in contravention of these Regulations, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority shall confiscate the planting material and, on pronouncement of liability of the person, shall proceed to destroy the planting material at the expense of the owner. (4) Without prejudice to any other penalty imposed under these Regulations, a person found guilty of contravening these Regulations shall not be allowed to host or produce planting material from the nursery found in contravention with these Regulations until the nursery is brought into compliance with the provisions of these Regulations and the Belize Agricultural Health Authority has recertified that nursery. Inspections. 6. The Belize Agricultural Health Authority or its authorized agent shall carry out inspections of nurseries to ensure compliance with these Regulations. Offence and Penalty. 7. A person who contravenes a provision or more of these Regulations is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not exceeding five thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years or to both fine and period of imprisonment. 8. This Order comes into force on the 26th day of October, 2009. Commencement. 784 MADE by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority this 26th day of October, 2009. (DR. EDWIN MARTINEZ) Managing Director, Belize Agricultural Health Authority APPROVED by the Minister responsible for Agriculture this 26th day of October, 2009. (RENE MONTERO) Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries SCHEDULE (Reg. 3(2)(b)) Plant Health Movement Permit No. .................... BELIZE AGRICULTURAL HEALTH AUTHORITY TO: ............................................................................................................... Nursery Plant Movement Permit Name and Address of Nursery/Company Making Request: ....................... Date of Request: .......................................................................................... Date for Movement: .................................................................................... Number of Plants: ........................................................................................ Area to be planted (exact address): ............................................................. Means of conveyance: ................................................................................. Botanical name of plant: .............................................................................. ........................................ (Signed) Director of Plant Health Belize Agricultural Health Authority This is to certify that the plants described below have been inspected by appropriate procedures and are considered free for movement to the designated are described herein and they are considered to have conformed to the provisions described in these Regulations.