States may request increased interstate ag restrictions

States may request increased interstate ag restrictions The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has established a formal process for states that want to impose additional restrictions, known as 'special need requests,' on the interstate movement of items that pose a plant health risk.
   Prior to this rulemaking, effective Nov. 24, USDA had no procedures to process these requests.
   The USDA said special need requests must be 'based on sound scientific data.' A request must include a risk assessment proving that the pest or noxious weed does not currently exist in the state and how an infestation may cause economic and environmental harm. 'All requests must be submitted to APHIS through state agricultural departments,' the USDA said.
   For more detail, access the Federal Register notice at https://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-25291.htm