APS LEGISLATIVE ALERT EMAIL

 

DATE: March 3, 2003

TO: U.S. APS Members
FROM: APS Public Policy Board
SUBJECT: Legislative Alert - APHIS Letter to Ag Leaders

 

To all U.S. APS Members:

The APS received the following message from Bobby R. Acord, Administrator Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. The full PDF of comments can be viewed at APHISletterInspectorsmovingDHS.pdf. "I have attached a letter below sharing my thoughts with leaders in U.S. agriculture regarding tomorrow's move of the Agricultural Quarantine Inspection (AQI) program to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). USDA and DHS officials have worked very hard to ensure the smooth transition of the AQI program. In addition, we have forged a close partnership that will bolster our efforts to protect U.S agriculture from all threats---both intentional and unintentional---in the years to come. As you will read, DHS officials are keenly aware of agriculture's importance to the United States and they look forward to hearing from, and working with, you as they carry out their critical responsibilities."