USDA is being required to change the plant material importation rules...this will also affect trades...any entrance of plant material into the USA. Here is a link to understand the ramifications of this AND it contains links to post comments etc.
http://by15fd.bay15.hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/Mail?r=http%3a%2f%2fby15fd%2ebay15%2ehotmail%2emsn%2ecom%2fcgi%2dbin%2fhmhome%3ffti%3dyes%26curmbox%3dF000000001%26a%3da0609bf4cad8c8bdd4453a5cd4894cc1&curmbox=F000000001&a=a0609bf4cad8c8bdd4453a5cd4894cc1&_lang=EN&country=US
Aloha
New USDA importing regulations
Weird, i clicked on the link and it brought up a copy of this same post.
Yes, MSJen...I goofed. But here is the followup...and there is still time to comment, until April 10:
Thanks to all who have taken time to comment. APHIS heard the
requests for a time extension and has granted one.
The comment period has been extended until April 11, 2005.
This may be the single most important issue the gardening community
ever has to face; the proposed regulations will affect gardeners in
every country. Since there is no central organization to speak for
horticulture, it is important that we do not ignore this opportunity,
thinking someone else will take care of it. There is no someone
else; we are it.
While comments have been coming in on the docket site, I hope more of
you will make the time to take advantage of this extension and send
in your comments. APHIS will respond to your concerns if they are
stated in a civil manner; clear reasoning supported by personal
experience is especially helpful; rants of frustration with past or
present are not.
It would also be very helpful if you are able to get the word out to
smaller nurseries and growers who are either not online; not on the
mailing lists or too busy keeping their heads above water to keep up
with regulatory issues. These regulations will affect them directly
and they need to know about them so that they are able express their
needs and concerns to APHIS.
Unfortunately, one cannot create a direct link to the actual
document. To find it, go to the main docket list page:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor/ppq.html
If the above URL breaks on your email program, use this one:
http://tinyurl.com/3v8wy
The first item on the page listing, Nursery Stock Regulations, is
the notice of the extension of the comment period - you cannot reach
the document from it.
Scroll down the page. The docket is about the 18th item down the
page.
You will see this:
Nursery Stock Regulations
Docket No. 03-069-1
Advance notice of proposed rulemaking and request for comments
7 CFR Part 319
Published December 10, 2004
69 FR 71736-71744
Text | PDF | EDOCKET
The above three items are the links on the APHIS site to the actual
document. The first is to a text file on the web. The second
downloads an Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) file to your computer. The third
links to the page with comments that have been made, which contains
links that you can use to submit your own comment.
Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@hort.net
Editor: Gardening in Shade
Shadyside Garden Designs
-----------------------------------------------
Current Article: Until April 11
http://www.suite101.com/welcome.cfm/shade_gardening
Is this USDA new regulation only affecting live plants or seeds also?
ANY propagative material.