APHIS Seeks Comment on the Proposed Importation of Fresh Globe Artichoke Flower Buds From Sardinia, Italy into the United States

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) seeks public comment on a notice proposing the importation of fresh flower buds of globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus, also known as spiny artichoke) from Sardinia, Italy into the United States with appropriate mitigations.

APHIS is proposing that the risks of introducing or spreading plant pests or noxious weeds from imported fresh flower buds of globe artichoke can be successfully mitigated by allowing commercial consignments only; requiring issuance of a phytosanitary certificate by the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of Italy, certifying the consignment was inspected and found free from quarantine pests; and requiring a port of entry inspection.

APHIS is making the pest risk analysis documents available to the public in the Federal Register for a 60-day period ending on May 4, 2026. To view the documents and submit comments on the public notice, go to www.regulations.gov and enter "APHIS-2024-0006" in the search field.