CBP ag specialists stop and smell the roses... for a pest-free Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists are busy working at U.S. ports of entry to ensure that flowers that are being imported, are free from pests and diseases that could harm the agricultural and floral industry of the United States.
“We understand that travelers would like to bring unique gifts, especially flower bouquets for their loved ones; however, protecting the integrity of our floral and agriculture industry from invasive pests and diseases, is a top priority,” said Sidney Aki, CBP director of field operations for the San Diego field office. “If established, these pests and diseases can have a severe impact on the economic vitality of our floral and agriculture industry within the United States.”
A common cut-flower called Chrysanthemums from Mexico, are prohibited through the passenger ports of entry. The current restrictions are to prevent fungi, such as Chrysanthemum White Rust, from entering the United States. If established in the U.S., this plant disease has the potential to have an extremely damaging impact on our agricultural and floral industry.
Additionally, certain types of cut greenery that are used to fill a bouquet may have pests and diseases. An example is the Murraya (common name “orange jasmine”) it is a host for Asian citrus psyllid; a dangerous pest found in citrus. If any portion of a bouquet has pests, the entire bouquet will be confiscated upon entry into the United States.
Roses, carnations and many other flowers are allowed into the United States after they undergo inspection. However, plants for growing require a permit to be admissible and soil cannot be imported from Mexico.
