USDA to allow imports of Taiwanese orchids

USDA to allow imports of Taiwanese orchids    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will allow imports of Taiwanese orchids, genus Phalaenopsis, in approved soil, effective June 4.
   The agency said it’s taking this action at the request of Taiwan and after determining these plants can be imported under certain conditions without resulting in the spread of plant diseases or noxious weeds.
   Concern was raised during the proposed rulemaking process that Taiwanese orchid shippers could receive plants from China, relabel them and ship them on to the United States.
   USDA warned any violations by Taiwanese orchid shippers would be taken seriously. “If falsified documentation is discovered, it could impact severely on the exporter, and possibly the exporting country’s plant protection service, and could result in the loss of export markets,” the agency said.
   If Taiwanese orchids are shipped in unapproved soil, USDA may hold the imports pending an investigation. This could include halting imports from a specific producer or shutting down the entire program, USDA said.