Draft Microbial Plant Pest List & Public Comment Period

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WASHINGTON, August 8, 2024—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) invites public comment on a draft list of microbial plant pests. 

APHIS BRS has partnered with experts in plant pathology to develop a draft list of bacteria, fungi, and viruses based on the level of scientific evidence supporting their classification as or containing a plant pest. APHIS BRS solicits feedback on the proposed designations and scientifically relevant information related to genera or species within a category, including whether certain genera or species are not plant pests and, thus, should be excluded from this list.   

Until APHIS BRS establishes a final list of organisms that are or may contain plant pests, and provides guidance on how to use the list, developers should not rely on the draft list for purposes of determining whether a modified microorganism requires a permit under 7 CFR part 340. 

Voluntary public comments must be submitted on or before October 7, 2024.

Submit Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery Comment: Send your comment to Docket No. APHIS-2024-0046, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8, 4700 River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238.