Argentina lemons by fall

That's what one source associated with Argentina lemon exporters said today about the timing of a final rule relating to the U.S. importation of Argentine lemons.

The pest risk assessment for Argentina lemons has been published and a proposed rule is antipated from the USDA by the spring, he said - perhaps April. With a projected 60 day comment period, the source said it is not beyond the pale to think a final rule could be published this fall.

Given the fact that U.S. citrus sources will want to examine the science behind the rule with a fine tooth comb, the projections may be on the optimistic side. Still, with Florida's citrus being treated in a particular manner by the USDA relative to citrus canker, it is reasonable to expect the USDA will extend the same parameters to Argentina.

Last October, the USDA said this about the pest risk assessment:

APHIS developed a draft pest risk assessment to evaluate the risks associated with the importation of lemons from Argentina into the continental United States. The assessment also includes information and analyses provided by the plant protection organization of Argentina.

Based on the draft pest risk assessment, lemons from Argentina would not be eligible for APHIS’ new risk-based streamlined import approval process because the pest risk associated with this commodity cannot be sufficiently mitigated by one or more of the five phytosanitary measures designated under this approach. If warranted, any further action to approve the importation of lemons from Argentina would be through APHIS’ full rulemaking process. This process can include additional evaluation and peer review by scientific experts outside the agency prior to any proposed rulemaking.