USDA PROPOSES RULE CHANGE FOR IMPORTED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking to revise regulations covering importation of fruits and vegetables, which may change the process for approving new imports. According to USDA’s Federal Register notice, the proposed changes “would not alter the manner in which the risk associated with a commodity import request is evaluated, nor would it alter the manner in which those risks are ultimately mitigated.”

“We take these proposals very seriously, and will make known our concerns for protecting domestic production and minimizing threats from pests and diseases that could be introduced by imports,” said Ray Gilmer, FFVA public affairs director. FFVA is conducting an analysis of the APHIS proposal and will submit comments for addressing potential threats to Florida production.

Growers who wish read the proposed rule changes, and to learn how to submit comments, may use the link in the Resource Library on www.ffva.com. Deadline for submitting comments is July 26, 2006.