re: APHIS

On another list, I received this link from a friend in Portugal

http://www.jlhudsonseeds.net/index.htm


Kitty wrote

> In a recent issue of Greenhouse Business, I happened across an 
> editorial on
> the back page titled "An important update on APHIS's Quarantine 37."
>
> While the writer didn't specifically state his opinion - he seemd more
> intent on making readers aware of changes to come - he did seem to lean
> toward more stringent controls, while at other times suggested 
> speaking out
> against.  I really couldn't pin down what he thought.  Here is a 
> portion:
>
> "It is in our best interest that USDA succeeds in this endeavor.  APHIS
> should be viewed not as the enemy in this process, but rather as the
> gatekeeper responsible for establishing the rules of engagement for 
> those
> wishing to trade.  How a member of the industry sees the stage on this 
> issue
> depends on where they are sitting in the arena.  Those who are not 
> actively
> trading internationally are apt to favor much stricter safeguars and 
> are
> likely to harbor suspicion that the APHIS effort is tilted toward 
> relaxation
> of the current quarantine.  On the other hand, those actively engaged 
> in
> international trade may fear disruption of a system to which they have
> adapted.
> "The primary driver for this initiative is the sense that the pest
> safeguarding system isinadequately effective insofar as plants for 
> planting
> is concerned.  Recent emergency response programs for pests have cost
> millions of dollars.  In a time of tightening federal budgets, USDA is 
> under
> pressure to increase the effectiveness of its safeguarding efforts.  
> While
> leaders of APHIS appear very comitted to seeking industry input, 
> pressure to
> strengthen quarantine measures is coming from other federal agencies, 
> the
> environmental community, and most important, Congress.  Therefore we 
> need to
> have a strong voice."


Island Jim
Southwest Florida
27.0 N, 82.4 W
Hardiness Zone 10
Heat Zone 10
Minimum 30 F [-1 C]
Maximum 100 F [38 C]

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