Plant Passports ..... and Why We Issue Them
- John Plant
- 10 hours ago
- 3 min read
Plant Passports may sound like a droll subject for a blog, but there is a reason for having them and we feel the need to let you know why we participate.
We are more than happy to be a part of legislation that protects the UK’s plant population.
A UK plant passport is an official label required for moving most plants, seeds, and certain wood products within Great Britain, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands to ensure biosecurity, traceability, and compliance with health standards.
It is mandatory for nurseries like ours www.rewleahostas.com selling online.
Key Aspects of UK Plant Passports for Hostas
When Needed: Passports are required for all Hostas when moved within GB
Traceability & Assurance: They verify that our Hostas meet GB plant health requirements and allow for tracking if needed.
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Professional Requirement: As a professional nursery, we are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and therefore authorised to issue passports.
Format: The passport must be a distinct label, containing specific information such as "UK Plant Passport," the botanical name, registration number, traceability code, and country of origin.
Distance Selling: As we sell Hostas directly to final customers online via our website www.rewelahostas.com a plant passport is required.
Each year an an inspection from an APHA local plant health inspector, takes place at Rewela Hostas. During which they interview me as the person responsible for plant passports, they audit our records, and inspect all our sales plants if satisfied, we are authorised to issue Plant Passports for another year.
What does a plant passport look like?
They are sometimes stuck on the outside of the pot or on the plant label.
This is what our plant passport looks like, we attach it to all our packing slips. We think this makes them easier for customers to retain, as often the pot will get discarded.
It contains our unique registration number GB 138913 and a tracking number.
The list of authorised distance plant sellers
In 2024, APHA carried out a review of the top 100 online plant sellers by Google search, and found that more than 20% were not authorised to issue UK plant passports.
Unregulated distance sales, for example, via the internet or mail order, have been found to include illegal goods containing pests and diseases. Also, the nature of distance sales means that traditional inspection methods (for example, visiting a premises) are less effective.
To address this, APHA have created a voluntary list of businesses that have been authorised to issue plant passports for plants sold by distance contract (Online). This will make it easier for UK plant buyers to tell if a plant seller is authorised and will enable businesses to demonstrate that they are reputable plant sellers. We are pleased to say that Rewela Hostas are on that list.
We wholeheartedly support the need for plant passporting as a way towards eliminating and future pests and diseases entering the UK. If this had been in place before Dutch Elm Disease was found, the countryside would be a far better place.
It’s not a be all and end all but it’s a step in the right direction. What it needs is for everyone concerned to participate.
With nice weather over this Bank Holiday weekend Hope you can get time to enjoy your Hostas.
At Rewela Hostas, we are delighted to provide a diverse selection of Hostas suitable for collectors, experienced growers, and beginners alike. As a small family-run Hosta business we are more than happy to share our expert advice on everything related to Hostas. Shop now on our on-line shop for a wide range of Hostas, from new varieties to classics.
Shop for Hostas HERE
John Plant
Rewela Hostas
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