APHIS Publishes Pest Risk Assessment for Importation of Lemon, Grapefruit, Mandarin and Sweet Orange from Botswana into the United States

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Stakeholder Announcement

WASHINGTON, October 3, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has drafted a pest risk assessment (PRA) that describes potential pests associated with importing fresh commercially produced citrus fruits from Botswana into the United States. The PRA evaluates pest risk presented by lemon, grapefruit, mandarin, and sweet orange (Citrus limon, C. paradisi, C. reticulata, and C. sinensis) from Botswana for consumption. 

APHIS invites stakeholders, industry, partners and the public to share concerns and information with APHIS related to the import of the four citrus fruits from Botswana. Comments will be considered for scientific and technical issues raised and may result in changes to the risk assessment.  The 30-day stakeholder risk assessment consultation period provides an early opportunity for the public to engage with APHIS regarding this request. Read the Pest Risk Assessment at Stakeholder Risk Assessment Consultation | Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (usda.gov)

To submit a comment on this, or any APHIS PRA, please use PPQPRAComments@usda.gov. Commenters should include the name of the commodity assessed, (in this case: Lemon, Grapefruit, Mandarin and Sweet Orange from Botswana) in the Subject line of the emailed comment. The comment period for this pest risk assessment will be open until November 4, 2024.

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APHIS protects the health of U.S. agriculture and natural resources against invasive pests and diseases, regulates genetically engineered crops, administers the Animal Welfare Act, and helps people and wildlife coexist. We also certify the health of U.S. agricultural exports and resolve phytosanitary and sanitary issues to open, expand, and maintain markets for U.S plant and animal products.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.