Agricultural Embargoes

 

Weekly Embargo Notice:

 

February 20th - 26th 2012

 *The embargo on Broccoli, Broccoli crowns and Cauliflower will be lifted on Sunday

 

Please contact the Marketing Centre if you have any questions. 

______________________________________________________________________ 

 What is an embargo? 

An embargo is a governmental order prohibiting foreign goods from leaving one port and entering another.

Bermuda has developed its own sanction regulations / policies and these are regulated by the Agriculture Act 1930 and subsequent Regulations.

 

How does it work in Bermuda?

Bermuda has two types of agriculture related embargoes - Quarantine and Economic embargoes. Control and enforcement of Quarantine Embargo are the responsibility of the Plant Protection Laboratory of the Department of Environmental Protection while the Economic embargoes are the responsibility of the Marketing Centre of the Department of Conservation Services.

 

Quarantine Embargo

Purpose: Is to protect Bermuda from the importation of certain plants in order to reduce the risk of introducing a pest or disease that would have a detrimental impact to the island.

The Plant Protection Laboratory (Department of Environmental Protection) is responsible for Quarantine embargoes.  These are permanent embargoes have been put in place on certain plants to reduce the risk of the importation of a pests and/or diseases.

Plants protected under the Quarantine embargo include Carrots, Ornamental or Indian Corn and Sweet potatoes (North American Yams) are on permanent Quarantine embargo. Of the fresh varieties of these products only those have been SHREDDED or CUT into pieces no larger than 2mm in diameter, or are otherwise approved by the Department of Environmental Protection, are allowed entry.

Jamaican mangoes, Citrus and soft fruits from high risk countries are on embargo until further notice. Papayas, Florida citrus and Florida mangoes are prohibited.

Organic and “baby” type produce are allowed to be imported even if the bob-organic and non-baby variety is on embargo. However NO carrots, corn or sweet potatoes including “organic” or “baby” varieties are permitted nor are items specified in the clarification.

For Further information on Quarantine embargoes please contact the Plant Protection Laboratory, Department of Environmental Protection (441) 236-4201.

 Mangoes

Economic embargo

Purpose of an economic embargo is to provide support and protection for the local Agriculture Sector.

The Government Marketing Centre (Department of Conservation Services) is responsible for economic embargoes.  These embargoes are put in place when there is a sufficient supply of local produce to meet local demand.  When an embargo is in place, produce of the same variety is not allowed importation.  As the local supply winds down, an embargo revocation notice is sent specifying the date the embargo is to be revoked.

Plants protected under the Economic embargo change continuously due to local availability. The embargo should be checked regularly. Embargoed produce can include but is not restricted to: Beets, Cucumbers, Daikon, Leeks, Mint, Melons, Okra, Oregano, Peppers, Potatoes, Rosemary, Sage, Squash, Tarragon, Thyme, Tomatoes.   

Embargo notices are sent out every Friday to all stakeholders and those wishing to receive such notices.  It is typically sent to importers, wholesalers, produce managers, chefs, hotels, restaurants and farmers. All embargoes are posted weekly at the top of this page.

Further information on Economic embargoes please contact the Marketing Centre, Department of Conservation Services (441) 292-4611.