I know this topic has come up a couple of times before, but I just wanted to note that the US government extended through the end of February the deadline for commenting on proposals to tighten the rules on importing plants and seeds into the US: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/Q37/revision.html (scroll down to the link labeled electronic discussion). There are relatively few comments in total, and almost all are from environmental groups, academics, and major nursery associations. I didn't see comments from anyone on this list. The strongest of the proposals would effectively ban the import of almost anything new. I know from past experience that the government is often surprisingly receptive to feedback from typical citizens. It's assumed that the organized lobbying groups can take care of themselves, but average people get more attention because they don't have the money to hire lobbyists. So if you live in the US and feel strongly on this issue, in either direction, it might be worth your while to post a comment or two. My two cents: I'd like to see voluntary guidelines, and pubic-private cooperation to evaluate new plants, before we enact major restrictions. Mike San Jose, CA (zone 9)