Proposed USDA Regulations
- Subject: Proposed USDA Regulations
- From: L* W*
- Date: Sun, 24 Mar 2002 01:17:14 -0500
Fellow Perennial List Members:
The following was sent to me by an Iris person. they seem to believe
this information is factual (I hate the Urban Legend things and try to
keep from forwarding them on).
She is concerned that the USDA is now trying to stop interstate movement
of seeds now, not just foreign importation.
Does anyone know if this is true?
Thanks,
Linda Wallpe
Cincinnati
PS> There was much more, I cut it for brevity. If anyone wants the
entire thing, I will be glad to forward it.
USDA Plans Severe Gardening Restrictions
Direct quotes from USDA Action Plan
"Clean list" - Everything not on government approved list banned.
Penalties - $1000 for home gardeners, up to $250,000 for nurseries.
Interstate movement of seeds - Prohibited without permit and inspection.
Send objections to the USDA
Write your representative (Sample letter)
What President Bush says
Your help is needed. The USDA is now accepting public comments on their
Draft Action Plan for the Noxious Weeds Program, which includes the
"clean list" or "white list" proposal. They are now going beyond the
clean list and are stating that they intend to require permits and
inspections for ALL seeds and plants moving interstate this will
effectively shut down many popular seed exchanges like the North American
Rock Garden Society exchange and the Seed Savers Exchange. These
exchanges have been hailed as important means of preserving biodiversity.
How many home seed savers will be willing to get appropriate licenses and
inspections when they cost a minimum of $100 (for a nursery stock or seed
license here in California). Penalties of up to $250,000 are proposed
with a minimum fine of $1000 even for home gardeners. Please link to this
page.
Contact Alan.V.Tasker@usda.gov and state you are opposed to the "clean
list" and any permit or inspection requirements for interstate movement
of seeds and plants. State that the Draft Action Plan for the Noxious
Weeds Program is unacceptable must be halted, additional time for public
comment allowed, and no new restrictions on the free flow of any seeds
and plants that are not listed noxious weeds be put in place.
Send 4 copies of your comments to:
Docket No. 01-034-1
Regulatory Analysis and Development
PPD, APHIS Suite 3C03
4700 River Road, Unit 118
Riverdale, MD 20737-1238
This is necessary so that your e-mails will not simply be deleted.
Last year, the USDA requested comments on its clean list proposal - they
received an overwhelming response - 8 to 1 against, yet they are ignoring
the clear will of the American people. The government tried to impose a
clean list policy three times during the 1970s, and had to back down each
time due to negative response from biologists. Apparently, "no" is not an
acceptable response.
The public comment period ends March 29th, but it is important to keep up
pressure even after this date, particularly by writing your
representatives.
The USDA is clearly out of touch with the American people. They just got
through the huge furor when they tried to impose "Organic Rules" which
allowed irradiation and toxic sewage sludge use. They have also
instituted new phytosanitary certificate requirements which they admit
are designed to prevent you from ordering from overseas. Please object to
the new phytosanitary rules in your letter, too.
Write to your representatives and demand that the out-of-control USDA be
reined in.
These proposals fundamentally change the regulations on the importation
and distribution of plants. Currently, you may import, possess and
distribute all plants except a few known harmful species that are banned
a "blacklist" approach in which everything is permitted except what is
prohibited. The new Clean List (or white list) policy is the opposite
everything is prohibited except what is on a government-approved "clean
list" of species that the USDA permits. This will effectively ban 99% of
the species on the planet. The clean list or white list has been called
an internet hoax, and the agencies involved have actually sent out
letters denying they have such plans go to their website and read for
yourself what they say:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/weeds/
See Weed Action Plan - 4th blue box down on the right.
How to Contact Your Members of Congress in Washington, DC
Contact information and a search by state for Senators and Members of the
House of Representatives is as follows:</TD
Find your Senators at:
http://www.senate.gov/contacting/index_by_state.cfm. </TD
Find your Congressperson at: http://www.house.gov/writerep/ </TD
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