The USDA has drafted a pest risk assessment that describes potential pests associated with importing fresh commercially produced citrus fruits from Botswana into the U.S.
The assessment evaluates pest risk presented by lemons, grapefruit, mandarins and sweet oranges from Botswana for consumption, according to a news release. The USDA said it invites stakeholders, industry, partners and the public to share concerns and information with its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service related to the import of the four citrus fruits from Botswana.
Comments will be considered for scientific and technical issues raised and may result in changes to the risk assessment, the release said. The 30-day stakeholder risk assessment consultation period provides an early opportunity for the public to engage with APHIS regarding the request.
Comments on this or any APHIS pest risk assessment can be submitted to PPQPRAComments@usda.gov. Commenters should include the name of the commodity assessed (in this case: lemons, grapefruit, mandarins and sweet oranges from Botswana) in the subject line of the emailed comment.
The comment period for this pest risk assessment will be open until Nov. 4 this year, USDA said.
Related link: View the pest risk assessment on the USDA website
