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[email protected]

Just getting a response from government is always a positive.

A woman named Bonita Davis from the USDA APHIS program has contacted me regarding or Phytosanitary certificate dilema. All she's doing so far is gathering more information. We'll see where this goes.

Steve

2/2/2004 9:19:47 AM

Montoursville, PA

One of the simple answers to this...which may have been addressed where I missed the post, is to see if: Canadian postal regulation permits the first half pound to be shipped the same as our postal authorities rules permit. Our first half pound to Canada requires no contents ID what-so-ever unless insurance is desired by the shipper.

2/2/2004 11:41:27 AM

[email protected]

It looks like Bonita didn't understand my original question.

Her latest communication complete with grammatical errors:

_____________________________________________________

This is in reply to your February 2, 2004 inquire concerning a permit for the importation of Cucurbita maxima ( squash, pumpkin) seeds . We are pleased to inform you that our Agency does not require a permit for the importation of these seeds.

However, all plant materials must be declared, identified, and available for inspection at the U.S. port of arrival. Imported plant materials are released if they are found to be free from exotic pests, disease, noxious weeds, soil and other prohibited matter. Additionally, at the time of entry into the United States, the materials must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issued by the plant protection service of the country of origin.

If you have further questions, please call us at (301) 734-4306 or 1(877) 770-5990 then press 7.

Sincerely,
Bonita Y. Davis
[email protected]
Regulatory Permit Specialist
Permits & Risk Assessment
Plant Protection & Quarantine

2/2/2004 1:48:04 PM

[email protected]

I am just about to give up on the USDA. I have tried another angle as a last hope. Will advise.

But I will share this thought with everyone. Pumpkin seeds for consumption require no phytosanitary certificate. Imagine that.

2/2/2004 1:52:20 PM

I'm with Gordon... GO UTES!

Ship your seeds with a jar of garlic salt???

2/2/2004 3:25:29 PM

[email protected]

I should think some Garlic salt would throw the seed police off track! LOL

Seriously though, here's where I am now. I just left this nice sounding bilingual lady a message just now.

Tel: (+1-613) 2252342, ext 4344
Fax: (+1-613) 2286606
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: http://www.inspection.gc.ca
Plant Health and Production Division
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
59 Camelot Drive
Nepan, Ontario K1A 0Y9
Language(s): English, French
Ms Reinouw Bast-Tjeerde, International Standards Advisor Official contact point received:
_____________________________________________________

I really don't discourage very easily.

Steve

2/2/2004 3:37:59 PM

[email protected]

Well I spoke with the people at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency today. They are adamant that the USDA is reservinbg the right to destroy any non-certified seeds. He also feels that seeds sent as food must also be certified with no exceptions or exemptions. I still find this hard to believe.

His advice to Canadian's sending seed to the US. Check your phone books Blue Pages for your areas CFIA local office. Drop off each shipment for certification. They'll charge you $12-$13 Canadian to issue the phyto-sanitary certificate.

I then announced it would make more sense to ship as a letter without a customs declaration. He reminded me that the USDA has already levied fines to people who try this.

I think it's time to work something out as a cooperative exchange through the various growers associations.

Until the USDA & The USPS get their acts together, I don't see a better way.

One more call to my friend the Postal Inspector if the Ricin hasn't killed hoim yet.

Steve

2/3/2004 12:43:29 PM

Sequim, WA

They have Fedex and UPS in Canada don't they?

2/3/2004 2:31:32 PM