Press Release

Melissa O’Dell	(301) 734-5222
Jerry Redding	(202) 720-6959

USDA TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETING TO INTRODUCE PROPOSED E-PERMITS SYSTEM

WASHINGTON, July 29, 2005–The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will host a public meeting Aug. 24 to introduce and solicit input on APHIS’ proposed electronic permitting system, e-permits.

Scheduled for limited release in the fall of 2005, e-permits is a Web-based tool, which allows the electronic filing, processing and tracking of permit applications. When fully implemented, e-permits can be used to process permits for plants and plant products, plant pests, animals and animal products and biotechnology.

The Aug. 24 public meeting will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the USDA Center at Riverside, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD.
Due to space limitations, pre-registration is encouraged. You may pre-register by visiting http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/permits/stakeholders/workshop2/index.html or by contacting plant protection and quarantine’s permit unit at (301) 734-8758.

The meeting will focus on transit permits and import permits for plants and plant products, including propagative material, fruits and vegetables, logs and lumber and CITES material. Meeting participants will receive a demonstration of the online system and learn about the permit application process. Short- and long-term plans for the new system will also be discussed.

Please note that a fee of $2.25 is required to enter the parking lot at the USDA Center. The machine accepts $1 bills or quarters. Upon entering the building, visitors should inform security personnel that they are attending the e-permits workshop. Identification is required and visitor badges must be worn at all times while inside the building.

Notice of this meeting is scheduled for publication in the July 29 Federal Register. APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

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