VIA D-1-1

NURSERY UNITS

(As amended on 22 August 2019)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1ESTABLISHMENT OF NURSERIES

1.1Application for registration3

1.2Evaluation of site3

2NURSERY MAINTENANCE

2.1Unit requirements4

2.2Isolation requirements4

2.3Cultivation practices4

2.4Removal of vines4

2.5Insect control5

2.6Weed control5

2.7Inspections of nursery units5

3PLANT MATERIAL6

4NURSERY RETURNS6

5QUANTITY CONTROL7

6NURSERY INSPECTIONS

6.1General8

6.2Summer inspection8

6.3Autumn inspection9

6.4Winer inspection9

6.5Guidelines for completion of summer inspection reports12

6.6Guidelines for completion of autumn inspection reports14

6.7Guidelines for completion of winter inspection reports15

6.8Summary of inspection reports16

7NURSERY AUDITS16

8CERTIFICATION OF NURSERY PLANTS16

9CERTIFICATION OF NURSERY VINES IN CONTAINERS17

10PURCHASE AND ISSUING OF LABELS20

10.1Label returns

10.2Purchases

10.3Issuances

10.4Label control

Vine Improvement Association – Nursery units: Page 2

VIA D-1-1 – As amended on 22 August 2019

1. ESTABLISHMENT OF NURSERIES

1.1Application for registration

1.1.1The VIA notifies all registered nurseries annually, before 15 June, of the re-registration for the following year and provide each nursery with the required application form.

1.1.2 Nurseries must apply one year before the establishment of nursery vines, namely before 15 July of the previous year, in writing to register each separate premises intended for propagation.

1.1.3Each application must include:

a)an application form as prescribed (VIA D-3-1). The name and address of the nursery as well as the name of the farm/s on which each site is situated must be provided in full;

b)GPS co-ordinates and/or Google Earth map clearly indicating the location of each site; and

c)a signed copy of the VIA Code of conduct (VIA D-3-2).

1.2Approval of site

1.2.1The Secretary provides the inspector with a list of all applications received before 15 October.

1.2.2The inspector visits each site for which an application was received during the late spring or early summer and:

a)verifies the information on the application form and location map;

b)collects, according to the procedure described in VIA F-2-2, soil samples for nematode monitoring (X. index) from each individual Nursery and Foundation nursery site;

c) enters the details of each soil sample collected, on an inspection report and indicates the sampling points on the location map;

d)requests the nursery owner or his authorised representative to sign the location map as confirmation that the inspection and sampling was performed on the correct site.

1.2.3The inspector delivers samples for nematode monitoring to an approved laboratory.

1.2.4The laboratory returns the results of the nematode monitoring to the inspector, nursery and the VIA.

1.2.5The inspector verifies the nematode monitoring reports against the sampling sites and the application forms and returns all documentation to the VIA.

1.2.6The VIA notify each nursery in writing of the outcome of the applications for each premises.

2. MAINTENANCE OF NURSERY UNITS

Nurseries and vines in nursery units must be maintained in a manner that is conducive to obtaining high quality plant material.

2.1Unit requirements

a)Nursery units must comply with the requirements of the Scheme as prescribed in Schedule 1, Article 3 (Foundation nursery units) and Article 5 (Nursery units).

b)If a nursery unit is established on premises where previous vineyard or nursery vines were cultivated, as many roots as possible must be removed and the soil must lie fallow for at least one year.

2.2Isolation requirements

Nursery units must comply with the requirements of the Scheme as prescribed in Schedule 1, Article 3 (Foundation nursery units) and Article 5 (Nursery units).

2.3Cultivation practices

Should there be any movement from an area with uncertified vines to an area with certified vines, the following procedure is recommended:

a)Clean spray tractors and implements;

b)Disinfect pruning shears;

c)Wear clean, protective clothing.

2.4Removal of vines

a) Visually infected vines must be removed continuously;

b)Individual deviating vines must be removed; and

c)in instances where larger numbers of deviating vines are next to each other, it must be clearly marked and demarcated with appropriate signage.

2.5Insect control

2.5.1Control of Ants

As soon as any ants are found, the area where they are present must be treated from December onwards with prescribed insecticide, using hand-held spray lances.

2.5.2Control of Mealybug

As soon as any mealybugs are found, the entire block must be treated with a registered mealybug remedy by using a vine directed spray pump.

2.5.3Absence of mealybug infestation

a) No mealybug or signs of mealybug may be present on nursery vines being presented for certification.

b) A nursery can, on request, do hot water treatment under supervision of DALRRD Inspection services.

2.6Weed Control

a)No weeds may be present in a unit and a specific weed control programme must be followed.

b)A buffer zone of at least 3 meters wide must be kept weed free around each nursery unit.

2.7Inspections of nursery units

All plants in a registered nursery unit must be presented for inspection, three times annually:

a)Autumn inspection;

b)Winter inspection;

c)Summer inspection.

3.PLANT MATERIAL

3.1PIO’s must issue each clone separately and the nursery must graft each clone separately.

3.2Sub clones must be issued and grafted separately.

3.3Clones from each PIO must be grafted separately and specified separately on the return. On the certification label, only one PIO can be stipulated against a clone.

3.4Clones of different mother blocks should preferably be kept separate and grafted seperately. If the same clone from different mother blocks is added together and grafted together, the different mother blocks must still be filled in on the return.

3.5Each nursery must keep a planting plan, indicating the number and location of each clone and of each graft combination. This must be supplied on request to an inspector.

3.6Block and row numbers must be indicated against each graft combination in order to specify in which block and row each graft combination is planted.

3.7Graft combination numbers must be allocated in sequential order starting from one.

4.NURSERY RETURNS

4.1The VIA provides each nursery, before 30 September, with the required nursery return form (VIA D-3-3), together with guidelines for completing it.

4.2Nurseries complete the return according to the guidelines supplies and hand it in to the VIA before15 November.

4.3 Schedule of grafted and rooted vines in the nursery:

4.3.1Replanted grafted vines carried over from the previous year must be specified separately from other graft combinations consisting of the same clones.

4.3.2 Vines that were not uplifted in the previous year must be specified separately.

4.3.3Grafted vines where rooted rootstocks of the previous year were used must be specified separately from other graft combinations of the same clone.

4.4 The VIA captures the information from the returns on the database.

4.5 Quantity Control: The VIA verifies the number of vines per clone grafted and planted against the quantity of each clone issued, and compiles deviation reports by 20 December.

5. QUANTITY CONTROL

5.1All deliveries to nurseries, whether too much or too little, of both scion- and rootstock material must be declared to the PIO by the nursery before 15 October and must be corrected with the appropriate documentation between the nursery and the PIO.

5.2Exceeding the quantity of a specific clone issued, will jeopardize the certification of all graft combinations of the applicable clone.

a)In cases where more planting material of a clone has been utilized than was originally issued by the PIO, the nurseryman must declare the updated quantity to the PIO concerned before 15 October, in order to amend the official issuance.

b) In cases where plant material has been exchanged between nurserymen, the PIO concerned must be notified before 15 October, in order to amend the official issuances.

5.3Quantity controls involve a comparison between the quantity issued to and the quantity grafted by the nursery by clone and by source.

5.4A clear distinction must be made by nurserymen in the compilation of their nursery returns, in respect of:

a)replant vines (that is to say grafted vines from the previous year's cultivation)

b)left-over vines (that is to say grafted vines from the previous year's cultivation that were not removed).

c)plant shoots.

d)soil grafts (that is to say plant shoots from the previous year's nursery).

e)aerial grafts (that is to say plant shoots from the previous year's nursery).

f)single bud grafting material (een-oog entjies).

5.5On the nursery return, replant nursery vines carried over from the previous year must be indicated separately from other graft combinations with the same clone numbers.

5.6On the nursery return nursery vines cultivated from plant shoots rooted during the previous season must be indicated separately from other graft combinations with the same clone numbers.

5.7In instances where the quantity of a clone issued and grafted do not correspond the nurseryman and PIO will be notified before 31 December and the certification of the graft combination will be provisionally withdrawn.

5.8If the issuance of the relevant clone for which the certification has been provisionally withdrawn are not corrected by the PIO before 31 March, the certification of the graft combination will be finally revoked.

5.9Inspectors annually inspect at least three graft combinations on a random sample basis from ten nurseries according to VIA D-3-4 to confirm that the physical number of vines planted in the nursery concerned versus the number of vines indicated on the nursery return correlates.

5.10The inspectors submit the report of their survey on the number of vines planted out in the nurseries against the number of vines indicated on the nursery return before 31 March to PLANT SA.

5.11Deviations found during quantity control are referred to the Secretary by the inspectors on an on-going basis for further follow-up action in consultation with the PIO concerned.

6. NURSERY INSPECTIONS

6.1 General

a)Every row of each graft combination of all registered nurseries are inspected once in the summer, autumn and winter for:

i) the general care and cultivation of nursery vines;

ii)the phytosanitary requirements: appearance of insects and pathogens and damage from climatological or other factors in the nursery; and

b)Inspector issue an inspection report as in VIA D-3-5 (Summer), VIA D-3-6 (Autumn) and VIA D-3-7 (Winter) to the nursery.

c) Apart from the official inspection report, the inspector will also notify the nursery orally of any deviations found, as soon as practicable after the inspection concerned.

d) If a graft combination does not comply with the Scheme requirements, it will be preliminary withdrawn with written instructions to take corrective action which must be done within 14 days.

e)If the shortcoming cannot be rectified, the graft combination will be finally withdrawn.

f)This inspection report must be signed by the owner of the nursery or a representative of the nursery.

6.2Summer inspection

6.2.1Additionally to the points listed under General (6.1) the following must be specifically inspected by the inspectors:

a)the unit and isolation requirements as prescribed by the scheme’s unit requirements in Schedule 1;

b)the variety authenticity of plants as indicated on the planting plan and signage in the nursery;

6.2.2In instances where a nursery has not been inspected by 15th January and the nurseryman intend to top the vines, the nurseryman must inform the inspectors in order to determine a feasible date for the inspection to take place.

6.3Autumn inspection

6.3.1Additionally to the points listed under General (6.1) the following must be specifically inspected in autumn:

· The ripening of shoots

6.3.2The inspectors must submit the inspection reports and any amendments of the nursery returns before 31 March for verification by the secretary.

6.3.3The inspectors submit a declaration to the VIA of all graft combinations inspected and found compliant to the scheme requirements per nursery before 30 April.

6.3.4By April 30, the Secretary issues a printout to each nursery stating the clones transplanted into the nursery along with the certification category of each graft combination

6.4Winter inspection

6.4.1Nurserymen notify inspectors two days prior to the date on which the nursery plants will be ready for certification.

6.4.2 Additionally to the points listed under General (6.1) the following must be specifically verified during the winter inspection:

a)the physical requirements;

b)the bundle requirements; and

c)the labelling requirements.

Nursery vines of the following categories can be certified with the same status as the previous year:

6.4.3In instances where certified nursery vines from the previous year were left over in the nursery, these vines can be submitted for certification with the retention of their status provided that the vines are presented for inspection in autumn and winter of the following year.

6.4.4In instances where certified nursery vines from the previous year were replanted in the nursery these vines can be submitted for certification with the retention of their status provided that the vines are inspected in the summer, autumn and winter of the following year.

6.4.5In instances where certified nursery vines were bought from another nursery and replanted in the nursery, these vines can be submitted for certification provided that the invoice and certification labels of the previous year can be submitted and the vines are inspected in the summer, autumn and winter of the following year. In this instance the date of the previous year must be indicated on the new certification labels.

6.4.6In instances where certified nursery vines were kept in cold storage for one year and replanted in the nursery, these vines can be submitted for certification provided the necessary proof and the certification labels of the previous year can be submitted. In this instance the date of the previous year must be indicated on the certification labels.

6.4.7Left over and replanted nursery vines can only be resubmitted once for certification. Left over and replanted vines older than two years cannot qualify for certification.

6.4.8Rejected nursery vines that were replanted cannot qualify for certification in the following year.

6.4.9As prescribe by die Scheme each bundle must comprise of 50 nursery vines. One bundle of each graft combination may however comprise of less than 50 nursery vines, provided that the quantity is indicated on the label.

6.4.10Inspector must sample at least one bundle (of 50 vines) per graft combination or one bundle per 10 000 in the case where graft combinations exceed 30 000 vines. Where the first bundle of vines does not meet the prescribed requirements, further samples must be taken as follows:

Sample

Outcome

Additional

Samples

Approved

Declined

1st

No shortcomings

Yes

1st

1 Shortcoming

Yes

1st

2 Shortcomings

1 add

2nd

No Shortcomings

Yes

2nd

1 Shortcoming

Yes

2nd

2 Shortcomings

Yes

1st

3 or more shortcomings

Yes

6.4.11If the vines of a graft combination do not comply with the requirements of the Scheme it will be provisionally withdrawn.

a) The inspector will, except for the inspection report, verbally inform the nurseryman of any deviations found.

b) The inspector issues an inspection report (VIA D-3-7) to the nursery with written instructions of the corrective steps which must be done within 14 days. The report must also indicate which labels should be removed and handed over to the inspectors during the final inspection.

c) This inspection report must be signed by the nursery owner or a representative of the nursery.

6.4.12 In instances where the nursery vines are rejected due to the presence of root knot nematode damage, Phytophthora or crown gall:

a)these graft combinations must be re-sorted;

b)The visually infected vines must receive hot water treatment (HWT) under the supervision of the inspectors.

i) HWT shorter timeframe (550C for 5 minutes) Control of surface pathogens (e.g. Phylloxera, nematodes and other surface pathogens).

ii) HWT longer timeframe (500 C for 45 minutes) When deeper treatment of pathogens infecting the phloem and xylem is required (phytoplasmas and Agrobacterium vitis)

c) After HWT, the treated vines must be tested again by an accredited laboratory to confirm that the vines are not infected.

6.4.13After HWT the treated nursery vines must be re-presented for certification.

6.4.14The inspector must do a follow up inspection after 14 days to determine if the corrective measures have been done and that the number of labels removed correlates with the number of vines rejected.

6.4.15 In instances where the corrective measures were not applied satisfactorily, the whole graft combination will be rejected and the certification will be withdrawn. The inspector issues an inspection report (VIA D-3-7) as prescribed to the nurseryman together with instructions to remove the certification labels and to hand the labels over to the inspector during their next visit to the nursery.

The inspector must stamp and sign the report. This report must also be signed by the nursery owner or a representative of the nursery.

6.4.16The inspector verifies whether the quantity of labels handed over corresponds with the quantity of vines that were finally rejected.

6.4.17The inspector enters the numbers of clones certified on the nursery return and issues a final inspection report (VIA D-3-7) to the nurseryman, by 30 September.

6.4.18In all instances where the certification of graft combinations is finally withdrawn, the DALRRD must be notified by the VIA. If the DALRRD inspectors find that these vines do not comply with the minimum standards prescribed by the Plant Improvement Act, the sale of the vines will be prohibited.

6.5Guidelines for the completion of the summer inspection report for nurseries

Summer maintenance is assessed according to the following criteria:

6.5.1 Disease control

Minimal infection (Diseases and pests in less

than 1% of the nursery)10 points

Slight infection (Diseases and pests in 1 to 2%

of nursery)8 points

Moderate infection (Diseases and pests in 2 to

5% of nursery)5 points

Severe infection (Diseases and pests in more

than 5% of nursery) 0 points

6.5.2 Weed control

Minimal competition (Weeds in less than 2% of the

nursery)3 points

Moderate competition (Weeds in 2 to 5% of nursery)1 point

Severe competition (Weeds in more than 5% of nursery)0 points

6.5.3Signage

Signage complete and correctly applied 2 points

Signage incomplete and/or incorrectly applied0 points

6.5.4 Intermixing

Intermixing is measured during the first inspection taking into consideration the total number of vines as well as the total number of graft combinations. The outcome of the calculation that benefits the nursery the most is used to determine the point. If intermixing occurred at the source, the nursery is not penalized.

No intermixing10 points

Intermixing in 1 to 2 %8 points

Intermixing in 2 to 5%5 points

Intermixing in more than 5%0 points

6.5.5Record keeping

Nurseries that do not register on time and do not submit the nursery returns on time will be penalized under this feature. Correctness and punctuality of returns will each bear 50% of the weight upon evaluation.

Record keeping is judged for the purpose of correctness and punctuality of returns according to the following criteria

Good (Registration and/or returns on time and correct)5 points

Average (Registration and/or returns slightly erroneous)3 points

Poor (Registration and/or returns not on time or incomplete)0 points

6.6Guidelines for the completion of the autumn inspection report for nurseries

Autumn maintenance is assessed according to the following criteria:

6.5.2Ripening of wood

Shoots of all graft combinations are fully ripened5 points

Less than 1% of the graft combinations not fully ripened3 points

More than 1% of the graft combinations not fully ripened0 points

6.6.2 Balanced vigour

Balanced vigour in all graft combinations5 points

Less than 1% graft combinations vigour not balanced3 points

More than 1% of graft combinations vigour not balanced0 points

6.6.3 Disease control

Minimal infection (Diseases and pests in less than 1%

of the nursery)5 points

Slight infection (Diseases and pests in 1 to 2% of nursery)4 points

Moderate infection (Diseases and pests in 2 to 5% of

nursery)3 points

Severe infection (Diseases and pests in more than 5%)0 points

6.6.4 Weed control

Minimal competition (Weeds in less than 2% of the

Nursery)3 points

Moderate competition (Weeds in 2 to 5% of nursery)1 point

Severe competition (Weeds in more than 5% of nursery)0 point

6.6.5 Absence of wild shoots

No wild shoots present2 points

Less than 2% wild shoots present1 point

More than 2% wild shoots present0 points

6.7Guidelines for the completion of the winter inspection report for nurseries

Winter maintenance is assessed according to the following criteria:

6.7.1Presentation

a. Heeling in of vines

Vines are properly and neatly heeled in3 points

Vines are not properly and neatly heeled in0 points

b. Identification

Nameplates and labels are properly fitted2 points

Nameplates and labels are not properly fitted0 points

6.7.2Physical standards

Physical standards are measured by taking into consideration the total number of vines as well as the total number of graft combinations. The outcome of the calculation that benefits the nursery the most is used to determine the point.

Physical standards are assessed during the initial inspection, by determining the extent that the physical standards deviate from the standards set in the Scheme. If there are rejections during the re-inspection, all points are forfeited.

No rejections of physical standards 20 points

Rejections between 0 and 1 %18 points

Rejections between 1 and 2 %16 points

Rejections between 2 and 3 %14 points

Rejections between 3 and 4 %12 points

Rejections between 4 and 5 %10 points

Rejections between 5 and 7 %8 points

Rejections between 7 and 10 %4 points

Rejections more than 10%0 points

Rejection during re-inspection0 points

6.8 Summary of Inspection reports

Points awarded during the Summer, Autumn and Winter inspections are summarized at the end of the season and presented to each nursery as prescribed (VIA D-3-8).

7.NURSERY AUDITS

7.1 Nursery Auditor: An authorised inspector of the scheme who is appointed by the authority to do the following audit functions during nursery inspections (see points 6.2 – 6.4):

a) audit in terms of physical and phytosanitary requirements of plant material;

b) audit in terms of inspection procedures by the scheme inspectors:

i) inspector in possession of a valid inspector identification card;

ii) Inspector follows the prescribed sample procedure as in Section 6.

7.2 The following audit procedure is applicable:

a) the VIA selects a number of nurseries (3-5) before every seasonal inspection alternately and inform them at least seven days before the audit;

b) the audit must be done at the same time and on the same graft combinations as the inspectors’ inspections;

c) audit reports must be signed by the auditor and inspector and any negative findings must be reported within 24 hours to Plant SA for consideration/rejections;

d) The auditor is not allowed to reject any graft combinations.

8. CERTIFICATION OF NURSERY PLANTS

8.1The inspector declares before 30th September to the VIA, as required on VIA D-3-3 which graft combinations have been inspected and which meet the requirements of the Scheme.

8.2The VIA issues, before 31st October, a nursery certificate (VIA D-3-10) as well as a printout of the nursery return (VIA D-3-3) to each nurseryman declaring the number of vines certified, as well as all final withdrawals of certification under the scheme.

9. CERTIFICATION OF NURSERY VINES IN CONTAINERS

9.1Vines in containers includes the following as per the Scheme:

a) Rooted rootstocks in containers;

b) Rooted grafted vines in containers;

c)Cartonnage vines.

9.2Categories of plant material

9.2.1Both candidate and certified plant material from the following units are subject to inspection, namely:

-Nucleus

-Foundation

-Mother

-Foundation Nursery

-Nursery

9.2.2Plant material in greenhouses includes the following categories, namely:

-Rooted rootstocks in containers

-Green grafted vines in containers

-Bench grafted vines in containers (cartonnage)

-Side grafted vines in containers

-Vines on own root

9.3Record keeping

9.3.1Comprehensive records must be continuously maintained by PIO's of each batch of plant material issued from each unit and received by the next unit.

9.3.2A detailed nursery return as prescribed in VIA D-3-3, must be submitted to the Plant SA and the inspector 7 days before the start of each inspection, giving all the information on each clone, its origin and the quantities involved.

RETURN OF VINES IN CONTAINERS: BEFORE END OF SEPT YEARLY

9.3.3Plant material from the same source plants that were originally released in different batches, may be pooled and recorded as one entry on the nursery return.

9.3.4Since the nursery return records the full details it is not necessary to issue a separate delivery note with an inter issuance but it is compulsory to submit a record of the issuance to Plant SA.

9.3.5In the event of an issuance to another nurseryman or PIO, the necessary delivery note must be made out and a record of the issuance giving full details must be submitted to Plant SA.

9.4Control of Quantities

9.4.1Quantity control as in VIA D-3-9 must be maintained continuously by the inspectors and the quantity of plants certified must be checked against the delivery notes. This includes both scion and rootstock clones in the possession of a nurseryman.

9.4.2 As with other graft combinations, random samples can be selected to verify the quantities.

9.5Labelling

9.5.1Plants issued or moved within the company must at all times be accurately identified by means of a label or internal identification system related to the recording method.

9.5.2Plants in containers issued to another nurseryman, PIO or producers must be marked with the official candidate or certification label on which the full particulars are recorded.

9.5.3Particulars recorded on the labels must be verified by the inspector during every inspection.

9.5.4In the case of consignments where plants have not been individually labelled, one label must be affixed to each bulk container issued.

9.5.5Separate records must be kept of the quantity of labels used for the certification of nursery vines in containers and must be recorded separately on the label returns.

9.6Inspections

9.6.1Nurseries and PIO’s who wants to present vines for certification must notify the inspectors at least 7 days prior to when the plants will be ready for inspection.

9.6.2Nursery returns must be completed by nurseries and PIO’s with regard to the presentation for certification.

9.6.3Rooted vines in containers are inspected once a year during the active growth season (continuously).

9.6.4Inspectors does a physical inspection of the vines to determine if the vines are true to variety.

9.6.5Inspectors verify the internal records of the member or the delivery note with regards to the clone numbers and origin of the plant material.

9.6.6Inspectors issue an inspection report (VIA D-3-9) for every consignment. If the consignment does not comply to the Scheme prescriptions it will be provisionally withdrawn and written instructions to rectify the non-compliance must be followed within 14 days. The report must also confirm the necessity to remove any labels and these labels must be handed over to the inspectors during the final inspection. The inspection report must be signed by die nursery owner or a representative.

9.6.7(If provisionally withdrawn): Inspectors do a follow up inspection in 14 days to determine if the corrective measures have been done. If not, the whole consignment will be rejected and the certification will be withdrawn.

Inspectors issue an inspection report (VIA D-3-9) to the nursery with written instructions that the labels must be removed from the involved graft combination and handed to the inspectors with the following visit. This report must be signed by the nursery owner or a representative of the nursery.

9.6.8Vines which are provisionally withdrawn may be re-presented for inspection as per the same prescribed procedures.

9.6.9Consignments which have been provisionally withdrawn must be kept separate and may not be added to the following consignment of the same clone and origin.

9.6.10Consignments which is provisionally withdrawn and not re-presented for inspection, must be finally withdrawn and the withdrawal must be confirmed by an inspection report.

9.6.11Inspection reports are being completed by inspectors after each inspection and handed over to the PIO or nursery. This inspection report must be signed by the nursery owner or a representative of the nursery.

9.6.12Nursery returns and a copy of the inspection reports are handed in by the inspectors to Plant SA. Plant SA invoice each nursery and PIO according to the stipulated tariffs. Payment to the inspectors are made according to these tariffs.

9.7Time of inspection

9.7.1Vine in containers are inspected once a year during the active growth season.

9.7.2Cartonnage vines are subjected to a second inspection just before being issued.

9.7.3In the case of plants released in the summer, the varietal purity and physical requirements must be determined during the inspection by the inspectors. This must take place at least two weeks after the start of the hardening off period under shade cloth netting.

9.7.4Vines should not be cut back at the time of inspection.

9.7.5In the case of plants released during winter, the varietal purity must be determined during the first inspection and before leaf drop, whereas the physical requirements must be determined during the second inspection after leaf drop.

10. LABELS

10.1Label returns

10.1.1 Nurseries and PIO's complete the label return (VIA D-3-11) indicating the number of labels received, utilized, damaged and in stock.

10.1.2Nurseries and PIO's must submit their label returns to the VIA by 15 November.

10.1.3The VIA captures the label return data on the database.

10.2Purchases

10.2.1 Nurseries and PIO's annually estimate the number of labels required and record the quantity on the label return (VIA D-3-11).

10.2.2The VIA pools the quantities required and places an order with the supplier before 31 December.

10.3Issuing of labels

10.3.1 The VIA issues labels to the nurseries and PIO's according to the quantities ordered.

10.3.2 The VIA issues delivery notes and invoices to the nurseries and PIO's for the labels delivered.

10.3.3Nurseries and PIO's sign the delivery notes to the effect that the numbers have been correctly issued.

10.4Label control

10.4.1 Inspectors verify the number of labels issued to each nurseryman against the number of bundles of nursery vines certified.

10.4.2PIO’s verify the number of labels issued to each mother block producer against the number of bundles of plant material certified.

10.4.3The VIA provides deviation reports the inspectors for follow-up actions.

10.4.4Inspectors follow-up on deviation reports and verify the number of labels damaged and on hand at each nursery.

10.4.5Inspectors provide statements to the VIA before 31 March in cases where deviations occurred.

VIA D-1-1 – As amended on 22 August 2019