Notices published in Govt Gazette No. 20,623 of 11th May 2021

Notice on the Ban of Trade of Tomato and Pepper Seeds and Seedlings from Sicily

Following the recent interceptions and outbreaks related to the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV), the Plant Protection Directorate (PPD) of the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and Animal Rights, through this Notice, informs professional operators and farmers about the temporary ban on the introduction of tomato and pepper seeds and seedlings from Sicily for a period of six months. This ban shall be renewed for a specified period of time if this is found to be deemed necessary. The ban is in accordance with Article 13 subarticle (1) under Part III entitled Importation of the Plant Quarantine Act:

'Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the Director may, after consultation with the Board, by notice in the Gazette, prohibit or restrict the introduction, sale, cultivation, propagation or movement of any plant material, plant pest, beneficial organism, soil, packaging or any other thing capable of harbouring or spreading a plant pest.'

This ban is deemed necessary in order for the PPD to be able to assess in more depth the local situation on the cultivation of tomatoes and peppers in the Maltese territory. The continuation of trade and importation of said seeds and seedlings during this assessment will hinder the analysis conducted and the possibility to successfully control the spread of ToBRFV.

Currently the PPD is working to limit and eradicate the spread of ToBRFV in accordance to  Article 20 sub-articles (1) and (2) and Article 21 sub-paragraphs (a) to (d) of Part V of the Plant Quarantine Act, Chapter 433 of the Laws of Malta. In addition, in accordance to Article 22 of the Plant Quarantine Act, the relevant notifications are being sent to the affected operators in order to notify them of the required measures to be taken.

Update to the 2018 Basemap

The Planning Authority notifies that it is undertaking an update to the 2018 Basemap. To this extent it will be carrying out surveys by means of drones in the following localities on the respective dates:

Mellieħa – 12th 13th 14th 17th 18th 19th 20th 21st 24th 25th 26th 27th and 28th May, 2021.

Any queries should be directed to the following email address (geomatics@pa.org.mt).

Amendment – Pembroke Ranges – May 2021

It is notified that the time allocated for live firing in Pembroke Ranges will take place at Pembroke Ranges on this date as indicated below:

On Wednesday, 26th May, 2021, from 7.00 a.m. till 4.00 p.m.

Amendment – Pembroke Ranges – May 2021

It is notified that the time allocated for live firing in Pembroke Ranges will take place at Pembroke Ranges on this date as indicated below:

On Thursday, 27th May, 2021, from 7.00 a.m. till 4.00 p.m.