New USDA rules meant to stop white rust
APHIS established specific requirements for importing cut flowers that are hosts of chrysanthemum white rust from countries where the disease occurs. To be eligible for importation into the U.S., flowers must be grown in a registered production site and accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate or equivalent documentation. Box labels and other documents accompanying shipments must indicate the registered production site. APHIS-authorized inspectors must be allowed access to production sites and other areas. The final rule, published in the April 3 Federal Register, is effective May 3.
Hortica searches for missing tapes
Hortica, an Edwardsville, Ill.-based provider of employee benefits and insurance to the hort. industry, announced on April 6 that a locked shipping case containing magnetic backup tapes could not be located. The company believes the tapes contained personal info, including names, Social Security numbers, drivers' license numbers and/or bank account numbers. UPS was transporting the tapes from a secure offsite facility to Hortica's headquarters. Hortica is continuing its investigation and is working with law enforcement agencies.
McDonald's to pay more for tomatoes
McDonald's will start paying a penny per pound more for Florida tomatoes supplied to its U.S. restaurants. The increase will be paid directly to farm workers harvesting tomatoes purchased by McDonald's. On April 9, Coalition of Immokalee Workers and McDonald's USA announced plans to work together to address wages and working conditions for these farm workers.
Legislation to extend Andean trade preference
U.S. Reps. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., and Sander Levin, D-Mich., introduced H.R. 1830, a bill that would extend trade preferences for 2 years to Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru under the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act. These preferences, which are set to expire July 1, were renewed last December as part of a tax and trade package signed by President Bush. Society of American Florists says passage of the bill would allow these 4 countries to continue to export duty-free flowers to the U.S.
Monitor pH to avoid iron deficiency in petunias
Every spring, Univ. of Md. Co-op. Ext. receives petunias with symptoms of iron deficiency. The deficiency is actually caused by high pH. The recommended pH range is 5.8-6.2 for petunias. These plants are often misdiagnosed as requiring high feed or high iron group. They don't necessarily need higher fertilizer or iron rates, but they are especially sensitive to high pH. Check the pH and if it is high apply iron sulfate at 2 lbs./100 gal. and water into the medium. Iron sulfate may burn the leaves so wash off the foliage with clear water after application.
Bush renews discussion for immigration reform
Last week in Yuma, Ariz., President Bush called on Congress to implement comprehensive immigration reform. Bush didn't provide specific details about the type of reform needed, but discussed some priorities, reports Fort Worth Star Telegram. Bush, who has sought major immigration change since early in his presidency, faces the biggest opposition from Republicans.
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