August 11, 2016

WG Submits Comments to APHIS on Importation of Argentinian Lemons

On August 9, 2016, Western Growers submitted comments to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) opposing proposed regulatory changes allowing for the importation of lemons from northwest Argentina into the continental United States.

Our comments addressed APHIS’ refusal to grant a 120-day comment period extension to allow for an updated pest risk assessment to be completed. Unfortunately, APHIS only granted a 30–day comment period extension which may allow Argentina to move forward with importing lemons based on a questionable pest risk assessment and inadequate and inaccurate economic risk review subjecting members of the citrus industry to additional pest exposure. 

READ THE FULL LETTER TO APHIS

For more information, please contact Ken Gilliland at (949) 885-2267.