Department of Agriculture May 24, 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared a risk assessment relative to a previously published proposal to require imported fruits and vegetables to be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate. The risk assessment considers the plant pest risks associated with fruits and vegetables imported in passenger baggage and the probable impact of phytosanitary certification requirements. We are considering adopting only the proposed requirements that pertain to fruits and vegetables imported in air passenger baggage. We are making the risk assessment available to the public for review and comment.

We are amending the fruits and vegetables regulations to allow the importation into the continental United States of fresh, dehusked immature (baby) sweet corn and fresh baby carrots from Zambia. As a condition of entry, both commodities will be subject to inspection at the port of first arrival and will have to be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration stating that the commodity has been inspected and found free of the quarantine pest listed on the certificate. This action will allow for the importation of Zambian baby corn and baby carrots into the United States while continuing to provide protection against the introduction of quarantine pests.

We are amending the regulations for the importation of ruminants into the United States to establish standards for privately owned quarantine facilities. The regulations have authorized the establishment of privately operated quarantine facilities for ruminants, which are subject to approval and oversight by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, but have not provided specific standards for the approval, operation, and oversight of such facilities, with the exception of privately operated quarantine facilities for sheep or goats. Based on recent interest in establishing such facilities for cattle, we are adding standards for privately owned quarantine facilities covering all ruminants to ensure that any facilities that may be approved for this purpose operate in a manner that protects the health of the U.S. livestock population.

The Deschutes Provincial Advisory Committee will meet for a field trip on June 7, 2006 starting at 9 a.m. at the Sisters Ranger District, Pine Street and Hwy 20, Sisters, Oregon. Topics for discussion include Glaze Meadow Old Growth Restoration Project, the Sisters Area Fuels Reduction Project, Invasive Plants, B&B Fire Restoration Project, and Metolius Basin Vegetation Management Stewardship. A Public Forum will be available from 12:30 p.m. till 13 p.m. All Deschutes Province Advisory Committee Meetings are open to the public.