APHIS Proposes to Allow Imports of New Zealand Persimmons

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service on Aug. 26 issued a proposed rule (here) to allow imports of persimmons into the U.S. from New Zealand, subject to certain requirements. Requirements would include orchard certification, orchard pest control, post-harvest safeguards, fruit culling, traceback, sampling, and treatment with either hot water or modified atmosphere treatment. The persimmons would also have to be accompanied by a certificate saying they meet all these requirements and were inspected and found free of pests. Comments are due Oct. 25.