USDA proposes changes to South Korea pepper rules
The U.S. Department of Agriculture wants to change import requirements on pest treatments for greenhouse peppers from South Korea.
Although the shipments are allowed, South Korea hasn’t exported peppers to the U.S. since 2008.
South Korean officials requested changes in pest safeguards because greenhouse screens required to prevent pests reduce air flow and increase humidity, leading to mold growth. That affects fruit quality and hampers exports, according to South Korean officials.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal would increase the mesh size from 0.6 millimeters to 1.6 millimeters for required screening in greenhouses and also add the use of sticky traps for pests.
The USDA is accepting comments on the proposal until June 19.
“USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service scientists evaluated this request and determined that there is no additional pest risk related to the change in mesh size when used with other mitigations,” according to the notice.
No estimates were provided by the USDA on South Korea pepper shipments to the U.S., but the proposal said volume will be likely limited in the near term.
