USDA considers regulations for live plant imports

USDA considers regulations for live plant imports    The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has proposed regulations to more fully address the pest risks posed by imported nursery stock.
   The regulations would prohibit imports of certain live plants until a pest risk analysis is conducted.
   APHIS said it would include these plants in a new category if scientific evidence shows that they are a potential carrier of harmful pests. The agency would also develop an initial list of plants to include the new category. If the proposed rule becomes final, this plant list would be published as a notice after the final rule.
   APHIS said its current Q37 regulations categorize imported plants as either prohibited or restricted (allowed under certain conditions) and they do not require a pest risk analysis prior to the import of the plants. This differs from APHIS's fruits and vegetables regulations where the imported of this produce is prohibited until the completion of the risk analysis.
   'Plants for planting carry a wide variety of pests that are more likely to become established in the United States than pests that could enter through imported fruits and vegetables,' the agency said. 'It is important for APHIS to enhance its current regulations to ensure that they provide adequate protection against the risk posed by plants that are being imported.'
   To read the proposed regulations, access the July 23 Federal Register. The agency will accept public comments through Oct. 21.