aphis

APHIS Wildlife Services Conducts First Field Trial of Feral Swine Toxic Bait

Dan Environment, Industry News Release, Pork

Plans Modifications to Mitigate Hazards to Non-Target Species USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently conducted the first of two field trials of a sodium nitrite toxic bait on free-roaming feral swine. Feral swine are an invasive species causing extensive and costly damage and disease threats to crops, property, native ecosystems, livestock health, and human health. Feral swine …

help prevent

USDA Will Not Recognize Third-Party Inspections Regarding Animal Welfare

Dan Cattle, Industry News Release, Livestock

The Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or APHIS, will not establish new criteria for recognizing third-party inspection and certification programs when determining the Agency’s own inspection frequency under the Animal Welfare Act. In December of last year, APHIS announced a series of public listening sessions as for leadership to gather information about the concept of third-party …

branding

USDA Proposes to Update Branding Requirements for Cattle from Mexico

Dan Cattle, Exports/Imports, Industry News Release

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing to update its branding requirements for cattle entering the United States from Mexico. The changes would simplify the branding requirements, making the brands easier to apply and read, reducing errors. They would ensure Mexican cattle are easily identifiable and traceable for the remainder of …

crude oil

New Procedures for U.S. Soybean Exports to China

Dan Exports/Imports, Industry News Release, Soybeans

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is making U.S. soybean farmers and exporters aware of a new procedure to comply with China’s phytosanitary import requirements. The new procedure, which applies to both bulk and container shipments of raw, unprocessed soybeans to China, goes into effect January 1, 2018, and is necessary to maintain …

aphis

APHIS Wildlife Services to Begin Field Trials on Feral Swine Toxic Bait

Dan Industry News Release, Research

In November, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) accomplished two key tasks as part of its efforts to evaluate an oral toxic bait for use with invasive feral swine.  First, on November 6, 2017, APHIS Wildlife Services (WS) received an Experimental Use Permit (EUP) from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to conduct sodium nitrite toxic bait field trials …

biotech

AFBF Encouraged by USDA Biotech Proposal Withdraw

Dan Biotechnology, Industry News Release

The USDA Animal Plant Health and Inspection Service Monday announced the withdrawal of biotech regulations proposed at the end of the Obama administration to get more stakeholder input. AFBF congressional relations director Andrew Walmsley says the move brings an opportunity to improve the rule. Walmsley explains the concerns of the agriculture industry of the now-withdrawn proposal. He expects USDA will …

biotechnology

USDA to Re-engage Stakeholders on Revisions to Biotechnology Regulations

Dan Biotechnology, Industry News Release

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced it is withdrawing a proposed rule to revise the Agency’s biotechnology regulations and will re-engage with stakeholders to determine the most effective, science-based approach for regulating the products of modern biotechnology while protecting plant health. “It’s critical that our regulatory requirements foster public confidence and empower …

asta

ASTA Supports USDA Action

Dan Industry News Release, Research, Seeds

Calls for Clarity on Plant Breeding Innovation Policy The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced it was withdrawing its proposed rule to revise and update the agency’s biotechnology regulations for the purpose of soliciting additional stakeholder input. The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is encouraged that USDA is taking steps to consider …

persimmons

APHIS to Allow the Importation of Fresh Persimmons from New Zealand

Dan Exports/Imports, Fruits, Industry News Release

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is amending its regulations to allow the importation of fresh persimmons from New Zealand into the United States.  After analyzing the potential plant pest risks, APHIS scientists determined that persimmons from New Zealand can be safely imported into the United States under a systems approach. A systems approach …

pork

USDA Proposes Less Restriction on Mexican Pork Exports

Dan Exports/Imports, Industry News Release, Pork

The Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is proposing to recognize Mexico as free of classical swine fever. The proposal replaces a previous proposal by APHIS that would have recognized Mexico as a low-risk classical swine fever region. Since USDA’s original proposal, Mexico has asked for enhanced evaluations by USDA. With results from the most recent site …