spencer_chen6•1mo agoProlific Poster

Serious question, did you hear about the new plant import rules?

I was at a big flower market in Chicago last week and a grower told me the USDA is adding more checks for certain cut greens. He said starting in about 3 months, shipments of eucalyptus and ruscus will need extra paperwork and could be held for 2 extra days. That's a huge deal for wedding work where we order those by the case. How are you all planning for this? I'm worried about my summer timeline already.

3 comments

3 Comments

paul_owens251mo ago

Saw a trade article that mentioned the USDA is targeting hitchhiking pests on those specific greens. They listed like six types of eucalyptus that will need the new phytosanitary certificates. Makes you wonder if the extra hold time will become the new normal for all imported foliage, right?

tylermurray22d ago

Paul, you say "makes you wonder if the extra hold time will become the new normal" but I actually see this the other way. This is just the USDA making a big show of doing something, they'll ease up once the florist and grocery groups start complaining. The real worry is suppliers just jacking up prices and calling it a "certificate fee" for years to come.

paul_owens251mo ago

Actually, the hold time is just for inspection, not a full two days added to shipping. The paperwork is the bigger delay if your supplier isn't ready.

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