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Source: USDA
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service (APHIS) announced today that it will conduct annual certification
visits in peak harvesting time to offshore greenhouse facilities that wish to
ship eligible generally admissible unrooted plant cuttings as part of the Offshore Greenhouse Certification Program (OGCP) during the 2021-2022. Interested facilities must meet the program’s minimum standards for greenhouse construction, security, production and sanitation, pest management, training, and recordkeeping described in the Offshore Greenhouse Certification Program Framework.Participating facilities agree to produce
generally admissible unrooted plant cuttings under a systems approach to reduce
pest and disease risks. In turn, shipments produced and exported under this
program may receive a reduced frequency of inspections at U.S. plant inspection
stations, helping to expedite clearance and entry. APHIS intends to physically visit and certify
all interested offshore facilities before March 1, 2022. Participating
facilities must cover the full cost of these certification visits, including
travel, salary, benefits, and overtime. The facilities will provide these funds
through a trust fund established through a signed cooperative services
agreement. If you are interested in
scheduling a certification visit, please send official correspondence via the
National Plant Protection Organization of the exporting country to APHIS
by October 29, 2021. For
questions or further information please refer to the OGCP’s website, the Frequently Asked Questions document
or contact Dr. Karelyn Cruz, Offshore Certification Specialist (Karelyn.cruz@usda.gov).
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