Importing Fig Cuttings and seeds

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pitangadiego

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Posted 1377406199	Reply with quote #1

From and email from the USDA, today: "[C]uttings and other propagative parts of the fig being imported into the USA require an import permit and a post entry quarantine. Any cuttings shipped over here without [a permit] are subject to seizure and destruction by Customs and Border Protection, any that get through to the destination without an import permit and post entry quarantine risk being seized by an Officer of the USDA. This restriction is designed to prevent the introduction or exotic (to the US) pests and diseases. The ePermits site is here : http://www.aphis.usda.gov/permits/learn_epermits.shtml All propagative parts from all species including seeds being imported to the US require APHIS issued import permits. Lacking the permit can result in the materials being seized at the port of entry. Post entry quarantine means that for one or two growing seasons a government inspector will examine the plants propagated for signs of disease. The permit will list how far away from other figs and susceptible species the quarantined cutting must be grown." __________________ Encanto Farms Nursery http://encantofarms.com http://figs4fun.com http://webebananas.com "pitangadiego" everywhere

greenfig

Registered:1359790036
Posts: 3,183

Posted 1377412499	Reply with quote #2

Thanks, Jon. The website doesn't show all the prices associated with plant imports (or I couldn't find them). Could you tell approx. what fees are involved in the importing of the figs cuttings and live plants? Thanks! __________________ wish list: Violeta, Calderona. USDA z 10a, SoCal

SEGeo

Registered:1343244935
Posts: 517

Posted 1377425253	Reply with quote #3

Igor, Could not find this information either. I am planning to go to the local office either Monday or Tuesday. __________________ Chris Fairchild Virginia Beach, Va. USDA Hardiness Zone 8a Graduate Student - Engineering and GeoScience *I assume all my figs carry FMV* Wish List:

Tam

Registered:1365478628
Posts: 1,084

Posted 1377441177	Reply with quote #4

Thank you for the information. Best , Tam

pitangadiego

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Posted 1377442228	Reply with quote #5

The costs vary. The program is a USDA run program, but much of it is outsourced to the State Ag departments, who, in turn, outsource some if it to local County Ag departments. So in my case, the quarantine zones and initial inspection was done by the County Ag inspector, The annual inspection of a specific batch of cuttings was done by a State inspector, and final disposition (releasing them to me) was initiated by the County Ag, after inspection by State Ag, The County request is forwarded to state Ag, who forwards it to the USDA, who issues the final release. The cuttings/plants are inspected yearly, and must be in full leaf for the final inspection, so the quarantine period is usually 2-1/2 years or so, if the cuttings came when dormant. All imported cuttings are the property of the USDA while they are in quarantine, and until their final written release by the USDA. There is no charge for the PEQ Permit (Post-Entry Quarantine), but there can be charges for the inspections, which in my case are $67 per visit, if charged. That is the going hourly rate for a County Ag visit. Each state handles things a little differently, but ultimately it is all a USDA program and under their control and authority. The permits are very specific. They list what is being imported, from where, and what quantity. They can be amended as situations change. __________________ Encanto Farms Nursery http://encantofarms.com http://figs4fun.com http://webebananas.com "pitangadiego" everywhere

vitalucky

Registered:1302708721
Posts: 241

Posted 1377444129	Reply with quote #6

I would like to add that people from USDA keep an eye (and know who buys on eBay). This winter I decided to get some cuttings from Turkey. In April a USDA inspector from Miami appeared at my door with a copy of my invoice and papers to seize the cuttings for destruction. He was extremely nice! It so happens that anyone can ship anywhere but at the port of entry problems arise. Also, most of the good varieties where brought in by immigrants in the past but without the proper name. Buying from other country might give you a variety that is already in the USA under a different name. __________________ Sal Florida 10b whish list: dark portuguese,Smith, O'Rourke, Battaglia, Col De Dame, Abeberreira,Bourjassotte Noire (Sollies), Ronde de Bordeaux, Hunt,

rcantor

Registered:1309799312
Posts: 5,727

Posted 1377446800 · Edited	Reply with quote #7

Quote: Originally Posted by pitangadiego All propagative parts from all species including seeds being imported to the US require APHIS issued import permits. Why did they have to choose a name so close to aphid? __________________ Zone 6, MO Wish list: Galicia Negra, De La Reina - Pons, Genovese Nero - Rafed's, Sbayi, Souadi, Acciano, Any Rimada, Sodus Sicilian, any Bass, Pons or Axier fig, any great tasting fig.

GregMartin

Registered:1370378358
Posts: 550

Posted 1377448125	Reply with quote #8

So if one wanted to import dried figs or just seeds they would need a permit. Would there still be a quarantine process or can they go right to the permittee? How does this compare to the process for imported dried figs for consumption? I don't have any plans at the moment, but should the right opportunity arise I want to make sure to do this correctly and understand the process. Thanks, Greg __________________ zone 5 Maine Seeking: Saint Martin, Naples White, Black Tuscan, Bécane, French Alps, Abruzzi, Tenica, Wild Mountain Figs from the coldest corners (Iranian, Turkish or other...would love seeds too)

pitangadiego

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Posted 1377462086	Reply with quote #9

Greg, I can't speak to dried fruit. That is probably in a different category, but still covered. Contact USDA and see what they say. As a starting point, there are fruits and nuts that are not allowed into the country at all, and are confiscated at the border when crossing from Mexico into the US. Avocados were on that list, along with mangos. Mango seeds were OK, but avocado seeds were not. Because of some beetle (don't remember the name, right now) no fig cuttings larger than 10 mm in diameter are allowed in from any infected country, which includes all of Europe, even if you HAVE a permit. __________________ Encanto Farms Nursery http://encantofarms.com http://figs4fun.com http://webebananas.com "pitangadiego" everywhere

GregMartin

Registered:1370378358
Posts: 550

Posted 1377465688	Reply with quote #10

Jon, thanks, I'll do that. If I get a good clear answer I'll share that here. __________________ zone 5 Maine Seeking: Saint Martin, Naples White, Black Tuscan, Bécane, French Alps, Abruzzi, Tenica, Wild Mountain Figs from the coldest corners (Iranian, Turkish or other...would love seeds too)

pitangadiego

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Posted 1377730125	Reply with quote #11

USDA/APHIS's latest import manual. See TABLE 2-10 Regulating Host-Country Combinations for Anoplophora chinensis (CLB) and Anoplophora glabripennis (ALB) from "Other than Canada" >> Ficus >> Other than from China, Netherlands, Taiwan, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, Thailand, PROHIBIT ENTRY. That is a change from earlier this year when the 10 mm rule was in effect. So, basically no ficus into the US. __________________ Encanto Farms Nursery http://encantofarms.com http://figs4fun.com http://webebananas.com "pitangadiego" everywhere

greenfig

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Posts: 3,183

Posted 1377731526	Reply with quote #12

Some Canadian nurseries have a good selection of figs. The manual states that the plants grown in Canada must be accompanied by the phytosanitary certificate. So, if one wants to order from the Brugmansia-Quebec nursery, is it still possible to get the plants without a major hassle? Do they supply the phytosanitary certificate with their figs is asked to do so? Is it enough? __________________ wish list: Violeta, Calderona. USDA z 10a, SoCal

pitangadiego

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Posts: 5,447

Posted 1377740817	Reply with quote #13

Greenfig, You will still need an import permit, as I understand it, and one of the conditions of the permit will be a phytosanitary certificate. Alan, Welcome to the brave new world. __________________ Encanto Farms Nursery http://encantofarms.com http://figs4fun.com http://webebananas.com "pitangadiego" everywhere

HarveyC

Registered:1212433117
Posts: 3,294

Posted 1377752760	Reply with quote #14

Alan, the rules changed on May 20th so that's the case except for a few countries. I wonder if they found the 10mm rule to be ineffective in eliminating introduction of the beetles. __________________ Harvey - Correia Farms Isleton, CA (Sacramento County) USDA zone 9b, Sunset zone 14 http://www.figaholics.com https://www.facebook.com/Figaholics

GolfMomTN

Registered:1395567093
Posts: 37

Posted 1435676480	Reply with quote #15

Just need a clarification. We will be traveling to Hawaii later this summer and I located a source for fig cuttings. I thought all that I needed to do was to remove leaves, wash the cuttings really well with bleach, put them in a labeled box, show them to the inspector at the airport and then the box could either be mailed or carried on as luggage? Is this information correct? We will be traveling from Hawaii to Chicago in the first leg of the trip. __________________ Now in South Florida (Pots) Current Stable of Figs: Chicago Hardy (Lowes), Lebanese Red (Harvey C), Makedonia Dark (Bass), Ronde de Bordeaux (KK), Kesariani (strudeldog), Marseilles VS Black and Figo Preto (pawpawbill) Wish List: Violette de Bordeaux, St. Rita, Bethlehem Black, Maltese Falcon, Black Beauty 10

Figgysid1

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Posts: 388

Posted 1435685797	Reply with quote #16

Quote: Originally Posted by GolfMomTN Just need a clarification. We will be traveling to Hawaii later this summer and I located a source for fig cuttings. I thought all that I needed to do was to remove leaves, wash the cuttings really well with bleach, put them in a labeled box, show them to the inspector at the airport and then the box could either be mailed or carried on as luggage? Is this information correct? We will be traveling from Hawaii to Chicago in the first leg of the trip. As far as I know its, (no roots, no leaves, no soil.) They sell 6 inch tropical plant cuttings at the airports in Hawaii, so people can bring them back to the mainland. Mostly ti cuttings and plumerias. But fig cuttings should be fine also. __________________ (Zone 12a) Big Island, Hawaii, 2,400 ft elevation, Fern Forest. Avg. July High 77,Avg.Jan.Low 56 Precipitation days 290, annual rainfall 201.80 inches.

HarveyC

Registered:1212433117
Posts: 3,294

Posted 1435688124	Reply with quote #17

Quote: Originally Posted by GolfMomTN Just need a clarification. We will be traveling to Hawaii later this summer and I located a source for fig cuttings. I thought all that I needed to do was to remove leaves, wash the cuttings really well with bleach, put them in a labeled box, show them to the inspector at the airport and then the box could either be mailed or carried on as luggage? Is this information correct? We will be traveling from Hawaii to Chicago in the first leg of the trip. This thread is about importing cuttings from other countries. Check the TN regulations summary at http://nationalplantboard.org/laws-and-regulations/ Cuttings at of plumeria, etc. at the airport have been inspected and cleared for bringing into other states. __________________ Harvey - Correia Farms Isleton, CA (Sacramento County) USDA zone 9b, Sunset zone 14 http://www.figaholics.com https://www.facebook.com/Figaholics

GolfMomTN

Registered:1395567093
Posts: 37

Posted 1435693688	Reply with quote #18

Thanks FiggySid and thanks to Harvey for clarifying. It seems like "Hawaii" is a whole other country with regard to plant materials! I will do my best to avoid being arrested at the airport and will do the cleaning, the bleaching, no soil, no leaves and no roots approach. I have no idea what to expect in the way of fig variety when I arrive at the tree but will take pictures of the tree, the leaves and any fruit so ID will be doable. __________________ Now in South Florida (Pots) Current Stable of Figs: Chicago Hardy (Lowes), Lebanese Red (Harvey C), Makedonia Dark (Bass), Ronde de Bordeaux (KK), Kesariani (strudeldog), Marseilles VS Black and Figo Preto (pawpawbill) Wish List: Violette de Bordeaux, St. Rita, Bethlehem Black, Maltese Falcon, Black Beauty 10

ThaiFig

Registered:1422928614
Posts: 180

Posted 1439025324	Reply with quote #19

Quote: Originally Posted by pitangadiego USDA/APHIS's latest import manual. See TABLE 2-10 Regulating Host-Country Combinations for Anoplophora chinensis (CLB) and Anoplophora glabripennis (ALB) from "Other than Canada" >> Ficus >> Other than from China, Netherlands, Taiwan, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, Thailand, PROHIBIT ENTRY. That is a change from earlier this year when the 10 mm rule was in effect. So, basically no ficus into the US. __________________ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009030195236 Wish list: Bourjasotte Grise Dark Portugese Granthams Royal Hollier Hative D’Argenteuil Smith Black Triana

ThaiFig

Registered:1422928614
Posts: 180

Posted 1439025602	Reply with quote #20

Quote: Originally Posted by pitangadiego From and email from the USDA, today: "[C]uttings and other propagative parts of the fig being imported into the USA require an import permit and a post entry quarantine. Any cuttings shipped over here without [a permit] are subject to seizure and destruction by Customs and Border Protection, any that get through to the destination without an import permit and post entry quarantine risk being seized by an Officer of the USDA. This restriction is designed to prevent the introduction or exotic (to the US) pests and diseases. The ePermits site is here : http://www.aphis.usda.gov/permits/learn_epermits.shtml All propagative parts from all species including seeds being imported to the US require APHIS issued import permits. Lacking the permit can result in the materials being seized at the port of entry. Post entry quarantine means that for one or two growing seasons a government inspector will examine the plants propagated for signs of disease. The permit will list how far away from other figs and susceptible species the quarantined cutting must be grown." So under these regulations cuttings of Thai grown figs CAN be imported into the USA, and if under 10 mm in diameter are exempt from import license restrictions if I understand tables 2-9 and 2-10? __________________ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009030195236 Wish list: Bourjasotte Grise Dark Portugese Granthams Royal Hollier Hative D’Argenteuil Smith Black Triana

HarveyC

Registered:1212433117
Posts: 3,294

Posted 1439049583 · Edited	Reply with quote #21

Quote: Originally Posted by ThaiFig Quote: Originally Posted by pitangadiego From and email from the USDA, today: "[C]uttings and other propagative parts of the fig being imported into the USA require an import permit and a post entry quarantine. Any cuttings shipped over here without [a permit] are subject to seizure and destruction by Customs and Border Protection, any that get through to the destination without an import permit and post entry quarantine risk being seized by an Officer of the USDA. This restriction is designed to prevent the introduction or exotic (to the US) pests and diseases. The ePermits site is here : http://www.aphis.usda.gov/permits/learn_epermits.shtml All propagative parts from all species including seeds being imported to the US require APHIS issued import permits. Lacking the permit can result in the materials being seized at the port of entry. Post entry quarantine means that for one or two growing seasons a government inspector will examine the plants propagated for signs of disease. The permit will list how far away from other figs and susceptible species the quarantined cutting must be grown." So under these regulations cuttings of Thai grown figs CAN be imported into the USA, and if under 10 mm in diameter are exempt from import license restrictions if I understand tables 2-9 and 2-10? No. They can be imported but the receiver must have an import permit and the sender must provide a phytosanitary certificate. See section VI at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/plant_imports/federal_order/downloads/2013/DA-2013-18.pdf __________________ Harvey - Correia Farms Isleton, CA (Sacramento County) USDA zone 9b, Sunset zone 14 http://www.figaholics.com https://www.facebook.com/Figaholics

ThaiFig

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Posts: 180

Posted 1439133493	Reply with quote #22

@Harvey Thanks for the link to the updated document. But paragraph VI-A says under 10mm diameter cuttings are exempt from this order?? __________________ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009030195236 Wish list: Bourjasotte Grise Dark Portugese Granthams Royal Hollier Hative D’Argenteuil Smith Black Triana

ThaiFig

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Posts: 180

Posted 1439133970	Reply with quote #23

@Jerry_M uh, no, I don't. Nor do I see the relevance of your comment to the legal requirements attached to commercially selling fig cuttings to US customers. ;) I shouldn't want to sell a cutting to you on EBAY only to have Customs seize the shipment or USDA officers come by your home and collect all your fig plants. __________________ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009030195236 Wish list: Bourjasotte Grise Dark Portugese Granthams Royal Hollier Hative D’Argenteuil Smith Black Triana

HarveyC

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Posts: 3,294

Posted 1439134737	Reply with quote #24

Quote: Originally Posted by ThaiFig @Harvey Thanks for the link to the updated document. But paragraph VI-A says under 10mm diameter cuttings are exempt from this order?? They are only exempt from those countries listed and only exempted from the order regulating the longhorn beetles (which would otherwise prohibit importation). All other requirements including import permits and quarantine still apply. __________________ Harvey - Correia Farms Isleton, CA (Sacramento County) USDA zone 9b, Sunset zone 14 http://www.figaholics.com https://www.facebook.com/Figaholics

RobSter010

Registered:1398968149
Posts: 64

Posted 1439156764	Reply with quote #25

Damn, it sucks to be an american fig collector. Over here we do not have any restrictions other than from some very shady countries, for cuttings that is. Live plants is another story, but still no restrictions between members of the E.U. __________________ Rotterdam / Holland - Zone 8

HarveyC

Registered:1212433117
Posts: 3,294

Posted 1439163603	Reply with quote #26

True, Rob, but here in the U.S. we at least have many friends who have already done the importing for us. I do think the extent of some regulations are very ineffective since when they eliminate the possibility of someone importing things legally there are a percentage of folks who do so without any inspections, etc. Australia is even tougher. __________________ Harvey - Correia Farms Isleton, CA (Sacramento County) USDA zone 9b, Sunset zone 14 http://www.figaholics.com https://www.facebook.com/Figaholics

ThaiFig

Registered:1422928614
Posts: 180

Posted 1439177591 · Edited	Reply with quote #27

Thanks Harvey for the clarification. I finally found the information you provided documented in 7CFR 319.37-7. It confirms that under those restrictions of permits and quarantines, fig plants grown in Thailand can still be imported into the US. The question then is, how many US collectors are able to establish the necessary quarantine spaces, obtain the import permits, and are interested in acquiring foreign figs. We in Thailand are still able to import bare root figs with phyto certificates here into Thailand, and a growing season from bare root to viable air layer is only 4 or 5 months. So if there are licensed importers interested in a specific variety not already available in the USA, there is probably a limited opportunity to have them exported to Thailand, regrown here, and then air layered or sent as cuttings to the USA. I say limited time because I expect the beetles will eventually make their way from Malaysia to here and Thailand will no longer be exempt from the import ban. But for now, we appear to be free of this pest. I would be willing to do this as a free service to anyone for the obvious benefit of getting new fig varieties myself. I believe our local government agricultural office can do phyto inspections and issue the certificates. I would of course confirm this before commencing. __________________ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009030195236 Wish list: Bourjasotte Grise Dark Portugese Granthams Royal Hollier Hative D’Argenteuil Smith Black Triana

Jerry_M

Registered:1427223807
Posts: 344

Posted 1439215159	Reply with quote #28

Quote: Originally Posted by ThaiFig @Jerry_M uh, no, I don't. Nor do I see the relevance of your comment to the legal requirements attached to commercially selling fig cuttings to US customers. ;) I shouldn't want to sell a cutting to you on EBAY only to have Customs seize the shipment or USDA officers come by your home and collect all your fig plants. Tahi, you are absolutely correct about my post. I must have been having a 72 year old senior moment. It has been deleted. Thanks for bring this to my attention. I hope there are no hard feelings. If you are ever in a position to export fig plants or cuttings to USA, I would be interested. __________________ Jerry Canyon Lake, TX 8b Wanted: Cajun Gold, Louisiana Honey, Schar Israel-114 grams

ThaiFig

Registered:1422928614
Posts: 180

Posted 1439217250	Reply with quote #29

Heh heh none at all. From the other replies and my own research it looks like I can export to US to anyone willing to jump through the hòops of getting an import license. Obviously, only worthwhile for fig varieties not already available from other US sources. __________________ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009030195236 Wish list: Bourjasotte Grise Dark Portugese Granthams Royal Hollier Hative D’Argenteuil Smith Black Triana

DevIsgro

Registered:1420826837
Posts: 638

Posted 1469276456	Reply with quote #30

Just thought I would bump this up since the subject has come up for discussion over the last few days. __________________ Currently growing 50-60 varieties, this season's cuttings dependant. Hopefully I'll get to taste a few more this year...

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