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Notice of Decision: Arundo donax (giant reed) a regulated pest plant for Canada

Ottawa, January 5, 2018

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is confirming that as of February 1, 2018, Arundo donax (giant reed) will be regulated as a pest plant under the Plant Protection Act due to the significant risk it poses to Canada's plant resource base.

This decision is based on the results of a pest risk analysis conducted by the CFIA, which included consultation on risk management options with regulated parties. As part of its international obligations, Canada notified the World Trade Organization in June 2017 of its intent to regulate A. donax as a pest plant.

Arundo donax will therefore be added to the list of Pests Regulated by Canada, and be subject to enforceable phytosanitary requirements to prevent its introduction and spread in Canada. Notably, the importation, use and movement of A. donax, including of its propagative parts, within Canada will be prohibited.

Furthermore, to prevent non-intentional introductions, commodities imported into Canada are required to be free from propagative parts of A. donax. This includes plants for planting and plant parts not for propagation, both of which are potential pathways of entry for A. donax. Commodities infested with A. donax will be subject to phytosanitary regulatory action.

For more information on the CFIA's invasive plants program, please consult the Invasive Plants In Canada web page.

For questions or further information regarding the Arundo donax regulatory decision, please contact CFIA-IAS_ACIA-EEE@inspection.gc.ca

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