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Re: APHIS admitting seeds without phyto?


Does anyone know whether there's been an official change of
mind? 


Magaret,

To the best of my knowledge there has been no official change in policy. But in practical terms they are not enforcing the rules; at least not the way they announced they would. At the time they very specifically included individual packets of seed sent gardener to gardener.

Part of the problem is how the rules are phrased. On one hand, the basic reg says "all plant parts." But APHIS administrative documents talk about those specifically on their list.

Add in the potential cost to maintain a staff of inspectors at all ports of entry, who would have to check every piece of incoming mail, and you can understand why the whole thing was a tempest in a teapot.

As you know, I recently tested the regulation by having people in 11 different countries send me seeds, with "contents garden seeds" clearly marked on the outside of the envelope. Not one of those envelopes was delayed nor inspected---including the ones from South America, which is supposed to be a red flag because of drug interdiction efforts.

So my conclusion is that it was all blue smoke and mirrors, and that seed traders need not be concerned. Commercial seed suppliers are another case, and I'm sure their shipments get inspected.

Incidentally, if you read the regs there's an interesting switcheroo. Depending on the specific class of seeds and plant parts, what is required is "an oral or written...." certificate.

I have not been able to determine the mechanics of making an oral certificate.


Brook
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