It closely monitors the quality of fresh fruit and vegetables and provides advice on efficient growing and marketing. The need to reduce unnecessary burdens on businesses and to take advantage of the opportunities for greater trade between member states has led to a streamlining of quality inspections for those traders who consistently meet the high standards demanded.
Quality control works in parallel with researching new plant varieties and forms of pest control.
One important area of concern has been the health of bee colonies faced with the parasitic varroa mite, which has now been detected in much of England, especially the south and east. Restrictions on movement of bees were quickly introduced and new, fast diagnostic methods are now being sought for beekeepers to detect and treat infestation.