U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agriculture Specialists in Louisville have been busy this spring, seeing a large increase in prohibited shipments that could cause a threat to farming communities.
According to the CBP, one of the most common items seized are live plants and seeds for planting. Most of the shipments come from China and are prohibited under the Plant Protection Act, because they lack the required permits and certificates. Live plants and seeds are high risk for plant pests, including insects, diseases, and weeds.
Live plants can harbor pests and diseases that, if introduced into our agriculture systems or natural resources, could cause significant damage to our food supply or native species,” said Thomas Mahn, Port Director-Louisville. “Our agriculture specialists are dedicated to protecting these essential American resources from foreign pests and diseases.”
During a typical day last year, CBP agriculture specialists across the nation seized 3,091 prohibited plant, meat, animal byproducts, and soil, and intercepted 250 insect pests at U.S. ports of entry.