Save the dates!

Info session competent authority - procedural changes contained use in Flanders, February 11th, 2025 (online) 

In our previous BBP Flash we’ve announced procedural changes in the notification procedure for contained use of GMOs and/or pathogens in the Flemish Region, starting from March 1st 2025. To clarify these changes and address questions, an online info session will be held on February 11th 2025 (10-12h) by ‘Departement Omgeving’. Early 2025, SBB will share further details and a registration link. Additionally, everyone can submit questions and comments in advance through an online registration form. We highly recommend participating in this session! 

Meeting of the BBP plant pathogen ad hoc working group, February 11th, 2025 (ILVO, Melle) 

The BBP plant pathogen ad hoc working group had two online meetings with various stakeholders. This has resulted in an inventory of practical problem areas and concrete examples that can be classified as (1) issues that can only be solved by amending the legislation and (2) issues that are caused by interpretations and opinions of SBB. To further collect examples and discuss possible actions, the working group organizes a workshop on Contained Use & Plant pathogens, at ILVO (Caritasstraat 39, Melle) on February 11th starting at 13h30 (details will follow), with the aim to involve a broad target group (including the test centers & service companies). Keep an eye on your email for an invitation! 

BBP workshop, March 13th 2025 

We are planning a live BBP workshop on good laboratory practices & large-scale activities at GSK (Waver/Wavre). We are still brainstorming behind the scenes, but we are already looking forward to sharing more details with you! Keep an eye on your email as the places to participate will be limited! 

EBSA Conference Maastricht, May 13-16th 2025 

The EBSA Conference 2025 will be held from May 13-16th in Maastricht (the Netherlands). This event promises to be an exciting gathering of experts, researchers, and professionals in the field. Check the EBSA website for updates on the programme (preconference courses and main conference)! 

Varia

Elections & BBP ST 2025 

Two members of the BBP Steering Team will continue to take up their appointments for the next two years. So, no BBP elections will be organised this year. In 2025, the BBP Steering Team will be represented by Elisabeth Heylen (president), Liesbet De Graef, Evi Pockelé, Michel Cereghetti and Pascale Van Rooij.  

Modification of the Plant Health Legislation (Regulation (EU) 2019/2072) 

Some important changes to Regulation (EU)2019/2072 went into force on August 15th and may have consequences for the import and intra-community traffic. An overview of changes can be consulted in a communication of FAVV/AFSCA (French and Dutch). Since the listings of quarantine (Q) and regulated non-quarantine pest (RNQP) are subject to frequent changes, we advise to regularly check availability of updates via Implementing regulation - 2019/2072 - EN - EUR-Lex, thereby selecting the most recent consolidated version:  

Newsletter Bureau Biosecurity 

Bureau Biosecurity is the Dutch information point for organizations that work with high-risk pathogens. The office gives lectures, organizes workshops and provides information about biosecurity. Their latest newsletter can be found here.