APS REGULATORY ALERTS

Subject: Agriculture Council RevisesInternational Plant Protection Convention (IPPC); APHIS Seeks Public Comments

Date: July 29, 2004

The Agriculture Council has approved a revision of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) to strengthen its role in setting international standards. The IPPC is a multilateral Treaty created under the auspices of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). For further information see: http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/plant/index_en.htm

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Seeks Public Comments by September 10, 2004 on an existing Information Collection Request, titled "Mexicali Valley, Karnal Bunt," OMB Number: 0579-0132 which is "... in support of regulations allowing the importation of wheat seed, straw, and other products from the Mexicali Valley of Mexico into the United States..." Additional information can be found in July 12 Federal Register: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-15702.htm