Info on relaxation of USDA import rules for seed
Russell Stafford, Odyssey Bulbs (Tue, 04 May 2004 04:52:32 PDT)

The notion that you will have to apply for a separate specific permit for
each importation is totally unfounded. The import permits (PPQ Form 597)
to which the proposal refers are good for 5 years, and when you apply for
one all you have to do is give a general indication of what you will be
importing and from where. I have my permit before me, and it gives me
permission to import "admissible nursery stock, plants, and roots not
subject to postentry quarantine" and "seeds of trees and shrubs and also
seeds covered in part 319-37-6". If the proposed rule were implemented,
the permit would also allow me to import small quantities of seed without a
phytosanitary certificate. As to country of origin, all that is specified
is "Various Approved Countries". I've received numerous shipments via
APHIS New York under this permitting system and have had few problems. In
general it is much less expensive and less burdensome than the
phytosanitary certification process.

Russell

At 10:17 PM 5/3/2004 -0400, Leo wrote:

Russell Stafford
Odyssey Bulbs
8984 Meadow Lane, Berrien Springs, Michigan 49103
269-471-4642
http://www.odysseybulbs.com/