Published: Less than 50 minutes ago
Anyone who is financially affected by certain plant pests can now receive compensation from the state in the event of a decision on extinction.
On 1 July, the new Plant Protection Act came into force. A novelty is a compensation system for combating so-called quarantine pests. These are pests that do not normally exist or have a limited spread in the EU, such as Colorado potato beetle and root-knot nematodes, both of which can infest potato crops.
The compensation system applies when the Swedish Board of Agriculture decides on measures to combat and eradicate the pests, the authority writes in a press release.
Compensation can be paid when the Swedish Board of Agriculture decides to, among other things, treat and remove affected plants, clean and disinfect premises, land and machinery. It is also possible to receive compensation for loss of production as a result of control that the Swedish Board of Agriculture decides on.
“When we as an authority demand intervention measures that affect the individual, but benefit everyone, it is reasonable that the state can also compensate the victim. For example, it may be that farmers are not allowed to grow a certain crop on their land for several years, ”says Jenny Andersson, administrator at the plant.
Last year, larvae from the Colorado potato beetle were found in a field in northeastern Skåne.