At the Ceniflores facilities, the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) presented the new procedure for the importation of in vitro plants for research purposes, which seeks to provide phytosanitary guarantees to contribute to safe imports, with faster, more timely procedures and with shorter times for the release of the product to the national commercial system.
During this day it was explained that the current dynamics in the commercialization of plants at a global level requires optimizing regulatory processes, in order to guarantee the importation of propagation materials with optimal phytosanitary conditions. This will allow Colombian producers to have access to materials for research and improve the export offer.
This is why, with the development of new alternatives for import processes, it will be possible to optimize resources, increase efficiency in procedures, maintain an adequate level of protection and achieve a positive impact on all actors participating in the supply chain.
"In short, innovation is a key factor for the future of Colombian floriculture. The work of the ICA, together with Ceniflores, for the development of this new procedure is an important step for this sector to continue being an engine of economic and social development for the country," stressed Edgar Serrato, technical director (e) of Evaluation of ICA Risks.
Among the characteristics and benefits of this procedure are the following: reduction in costs and times and the authorization by ICA of quarantines in private facilities. Once the entire process is completed, and it is verified that the material is free of quarantine pests for the country, it will be given for the use and destination defined by the importer.
The ICA will continue to generate spaces for dialogue with Colombian producers to optimize regulatory processes, aligned with international regulations, in order to import propagation materials into the country with an adequate level of protection.
Source: www.ica.gov.co