The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is stepping up its game in plant health surveillance with the release of a pest survey card focusing on viruses, viroids, and phytoplasmas that infect apple (Malus) and pear (Pyrus) species. Released on January 30, 2026, this document provides stakeholders with a detailed overview crucial for protecting these economically vital fruit crops from harmful pathogens. Growers, plant health authorities, pest surveillance bodies, and the wider agri-food industry are all on alert as this new resource may influence monitoring strategies and regulatory approaches.
This pest survey card is a product of EFSA's mandate on plant pest surveillance (M‐2020‐0114), issued upon the European Commission's request. It has been developed by EFSA’s scientific experts and is available online in EFSA’s Pest Survey Card gallery, serving as a living document that will be updated as new information becomes available.
Rather than introducing new legislation, this document acts as a scientific summary and a practical surveillance tool. It consolidates data on regulated pathogens affecting Malus and Pyrus species without imposing mandatory measures. The survey card itself does not set concrete numerical targets or budgets but serves as a basis for harmonising pest surveillance across EU member states.
Its policy orientation emphasizes strengthening EU-wide plant health monitoring by providing structured, easily accessible data and recommendations. This approach balances increasing surveillance capabilities and knowledge-sharing within the EU against maintaining responsibilities at the national and local levels. It does not expand EFSA or EU regulatory powers per se, but it does augment transparency and coordination in pathogen monitoring. The strengthened surveillance framework seeks to mitigate risks to crop health, potentially reducing economic losses and trade disruptions.
Impacted stakeholders include EU plant health authorities, national regulatory bodies, fruit producers—especially apple and pear growers—and the agri-food supply chain. Plant health authorities benefit from the enhanced coordination and scientific basis for surveillance, while producers may face more rigorous monitoring that could increase compliance efforts. Conversely, the improved monitoring could mitigate costly outbreaks, benefiting producers and consumers alike by safeguarding fruit quality and availability.
Institutionally, this publication represents a continuation and enhancement of EFSA's ongoing pest surveillance activities. It is expected to inform further discussions and actions by the European Commission and national authorities, potentially guiding future regulatory or support measures in plant health protection.