Analysis of samples to establish the presence of nematode pests

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is the National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) of Ireland. DAFM performs phytosanitary controls across the country, in a wide range of locations including farms, forests, nurseries and parks. These phytosanitary controls are in line with International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM’s), and in compliance with the Plant Health Regulation (EU) 2016/2031, Commission Implementing Directive (EU) 2019/2072 and the Official Controls Regulation (EU) 2017/625.

These controls are performed by a variety of divisions including Horticulture and Plant Health, Forestry Inspectorate, Crop Policy, Evaluation and Certification, and Import Control Operations. These controls are supported by the Plant Science Division (PSD) which performs diagnostics across bacteriology, nematology, entomology, virology, and mycology on samples resulting from Official Controls and Other Official Activities. PSD is designated as the National Reference Laboratory for all these areas including nematology, in accordance with EU regulations.

Any laboratory successful in this tender will be nominated as an Official Laboratory for nematology for Ireland. DAFM undertakes a significant amount of sampling in nematology to support our agricultural industry and requires the provision of supplemental diagnostics. The successful laboratory will be expected to provide diagnostics on approximately 1500 samples across a range of matrices including soil, peat, and plant material.

The diagnostics required will focus on plant parasitic and free-living nematodes, with particular focus, but not limited to, EU Quarantine and Regulated non-Quarantine species. The successful laboratory will be expected to provide results, reports, and advice within designated turnaround times and be accredited in compliance with EU regulations. The provision of this service will assist DAFM in carrying out the required phytosanitary actions to maintain Irelands high plant health status, and to protect our agricultural industry and environment.