CBP agriculture specialists stop and smell the roses for a pest-free Valentine’s Day
SAN DIEGO – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists are busy working at U.S. ports of entry to ensure that Valentine’s Day flowers that are being imported are free from pests and diseases that could harm the agricultural and floral industry of the United States, according to a press release.
“We understand that travelers would like to bring unique gifts, especially flower bouquets for their loved ones,” Sidney Aki, CBP Director of Field Operations for the San Diego Field Office, said, “however, protecting the integrity of our floral and agriculture industry from invasive pests and diseases, is a top priority. 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.”
Chrysanthemums from Mexico, which are a common cut flower, are prohibited through the passenger ports of entry, according to the release. The current restrictions are to prevent fungi, such as “Chrysanthemum White Rust”, from entering the United States., the release states. Chrysanthemum White Rust is caused by the fungus Puccinia horiana P. Henn. 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 bouquets may have pests and diseases, the release states. An example is the Murraya (common name “orange jasmine”) which 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, according to CBP.
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. Travelers must declare all flowers and plants to CBP officers, per the release.
The releases states, “If a traveler declares a bouquet that has prohibited flowers and greenery, it will be seized. If it does not, CBP agriculture specialists will inspect the bouquet for pests and diseases. If CBP agriculture specialists do not discover any pests or diseases, the traveler will be allowed to keep the bouquet and enter the U.S.”
CBP encourages travelers to declare all agricultural items to a CBP officer upon arrival to avoid penalties. Travelers should not attempt to bring fruits, vegetables, or meats into the United States without first confirming they are permitted. Raw eggs and poultry from Mexico are prohibited and will be confiscated at the port, the release reads.
For more information, travelers are encouraged to visit the “Bringing Agricultural Products into the United States” section of the CBP website at bit.ly/USCBPflowersnthings.