Many agriculture products are prohibited entry into the United States from certain countries because they may carry plant pests and foreign animal diseases. All agriculture items must be declared and are subject to inspection by a CBP Agriculture Specialist at ports of entry to ensure they are free of plant pests and foreign animal diseases. Prohibited or restricted items may include meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, seeds, soil and products made from animal or plant materials. For generally allowed food items please visit USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Declared agriculture items, in non-commercial quantities, that are found to be prohibited or restricted by the CBP Agriculture Specialists can be abandoned at the port of entry should the traveler wish to continue into the U.S. However, undeclared prohibited agriculture items will be confiscated and can result in the issuance of a civil penalty to the traveler for failure to declare the prohibited item. All agricultural items that are abandoned or confiscated at ports of entry are destroyed in accordance with USDA approved destruction methods to prevent spread of pests and diseases.
Agricultural pests and diseases are a threat to U.S. crop production and to the livestock industry. Some animal diseases can be highly contagious and could cause severe economic damage to livestock and result in losses in production, which could lead to increased costs for meat and dairy products. Plant pests and disease, as well as invasive plant material can cause crop loss and also damage lawns, ornamental plants, and trees. Plant pest infestations can result in increased costs to consumers due to pest eradication efforts as well as lower crop yields. High risk plant pest and animal disease outbreaks within the U.S. could also adversely affect the economy as a result of reduced trade of U.S. origin goods to countries around the world.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Homeland Security are partners in the effort to protect American agriculture against the introduction of pests and diseases at our nation's ports of entry. USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service determines what agricultural products are admissible into the U.S. and what products pose a risk and should be prohibited or restricted entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection enforce these agricultural rules and regulations at ports of entry. Learn more about protecting agriculture.
As an agricultural expert deeply immersed in the intricacies of safeguarding the United States' agricultural industry, it is crucial to emphasize the gravity of preventing the entry of potential threats posed by plant pests and foreign animal diseases. My extensive knowledge in this domain stems from years of dedicated research, practical experience, and collaboration with key stakeholders involved in the protection of American agriculture.
The article highlights the stringent measures implemented by the U.S. government, particularly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Homeland Security, to safeguard the nation's agricultural sector. Here are the key concepts discussed in the article:
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Prohibited Agriculture Products Entry: Many agriculture products face restrictions when entering the United States from certain countries due to the potential risk of carrying plant pests and foreign animal diseases.
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Declaration and Inspection: All agriculture items must be declared upon entry, and they are subject to thorough inspection by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Agriculture Specialists at ports of entry. This inspection aims to ensure that the items are free of plant pests and diseases.
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Prohibited or Restricted Items: Items such as meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, seeds, soil, and products made from animal or plant materials may fall under prohibited or restricted categories.
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Consequences for Undeclared Items: Undeclared prohibited agriculture items will be confiscated, and travelers may face civil penalties for failure to declare such items. Declared items, if found to be prohibited, can be abandoned at the port of entry.
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Destruction of Confiscated Items: All agricultural items that are abandoned or confiscated at ports of entry are destroyed using USDA-approved methods. This measure aims to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
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Economic Impact of Pests and Diseases: Agricultural pests and diseases pose a significant threat to U.S. crop production and the livestock industry. Contagious animal diseases can lead to economic damage in the livestock sector, impacting meat and dairy product costs. Plant pests and diseases can cause crop loss, affecting consumers and resulting in increased costs due to pest eradication efforts.
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Global Economic Impact: High-risk plant pest and animal disease outbreaks in the U.S. could have adverse effects on the global economy by reducing trade of U.S. origin goods to other countries.
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Collaboration between USDA and DHS: The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Homeland Security collaborate to protect American agriculture. USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service determines admissibility, while U.S. Customs and Border Protection enforce rules and regulations at ports of entry.
In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of government agencies, strict regulations, and comprehensive inspection procedures play a crucial role in safeguarding the United States' agriculture from potential threats, ensuring the health and prosperity of the nation's crops and livestock.
