Argentina extends national alert for destructive Red Palm Weevil until 2028

Argentina's National Agrifood Health and Quality Service (Senasa) has extended a national phytosanitary alert for the Red Palm Weevil, a destructive pest threatening palm trees, until June 30, 2028. This measure aims to strengthen ongoing prevention, surveillance, and response efforts against the insect, identified as Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier.

The alert, originally declared in October 2024, was extended by two years via resolution 544/2026, published in the Official Gazette. Senasa stated the decision reflects the need to continue bolstering prevention and monitoring actions following progress made in recent months.

Since the initial alert, Senasa has established a national inter-institutional technical committee and provincial and local task forces. Training and preparation activities have also been conducted to address the potential spread of the pest. The concern intensified earlier this year with the confirmation of the Red Palm Weevil on Martín García Island, prompting Senasa to declare a phytosanitary emergency for the area and approve a specific contingency plan.

Resolution 544/2026 acknowledges the discovery of affected palm trees on Martín García Island in January 2026, leading to extraordinary control measures. The agency highlighted that a specific plan is already in place for affected areas. The extension seeks to consolidate joint efforts with provinces, municipalities, and national organizations to protect Argentina's palm groves, emphasizing the need to continue prevention, surveillance, preparedness, and response against further incursions.