USDA IMPOSES STIFFER FINES ON AGRICULTURE SMUGGLERS

USDA IMPOSES STIFFER FINES ON AGRICULTURE SMUGGLERS    The U.S. Department of Agriculture said it will impose stiffer civil penalties against those caught smuggling agriculture products.
   USDA received this new authority under the Plant Protection Act, which was passed by Congress on June 20.
   “The PPA’s harsher civil penalties let the public know that the USDA won’t tolerate people who threaten U.S. agriculture,” said Michael V. Dunn, undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs at USDA.
   Any individual caught violating the PPA regulations can be fined up to $50,000, while companies may be fined up to $250,000. Fines for multiple violations is capped at $500,000.
   A fine of up to $1,000 can be imposed on first-time violators that are determined to be carrying prohibited agriculture products through ports of entry. for personal use and not for commercial purposes.
   The regulations also gives the Agriculture Secretary the authority to subpoena evidence and witnesses to help with enforcement. PPA also allows the USDA to request the U.S. Attorney General take actions to enforce these subpoenas, through judicial process.
   In addition, anyone caught harming or interfering with the work of the USDA’s inspection dogs, such as the Beagle Brigade, will be fined up to $10,000.
   Formation of the PPA regulations was based on recommendations by a group of 43 representatives from states, academia, industry and other stakeholders in cooperation with the National Plant Board.
   The group compiled the safeguarding report as a comprehensive evaluation of pest exclusion, statutory authority, information technology, permits and pest detection and response.