On Sunday, March 24, 2002, at 02:58 PM, Merla wrote:
> > USDA Plans Severe Gardening Restrictions > > I would suggest to all of you to go to the draft document and read it carefully. It concerns us all when we import preps or "any biological control" interstate. Taken to extremes, anything that anyone does that threatens an economic interest can be verboten. Read: if our employing certain methods of pest management threaten the monetary interests of the big chemical companies, we could get zapped. I may be overreacting and I hope someone on this list can reassure me that this is not what it seems, but I think the possibility for abuse is always there. I have some real concerns with some parts of this draft measure. On page 4 the definition of noxious weeds is being greatly expanded; to the point tat it looks like carte blanche for the Secretary if anyone petitions to have something listed as a noxious weed. On page 9: "The PPA authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to hold, seize, quarantine, treat, apply other remedial measures to, destroy, or otherwise dispose of any plant, plant pest, noxious weed, biological control organism, plant product, article, or means of conveyance moving into or through the United States,or interstate, or moved into or through the United States, or interstate, that the Secretary has reason to believe is a plant pest or noxious weed, is infested with a plant pest or noxious weed, or is in violation of the PPA." Does this mean they can confiscate someone's vehicle? Also big fines are being put into place, incuding the $1000 fine for first offenses. On page 5: 1) prohibit or restrict the importation, entry, exportation, or movement in interstate commerce of any plant, plant product, biological control organism, noxious weed, article, means of conveyance to prevent introduction into the United States or dissemination within the United States of a plant pest or noxious weed. Could this be applied to any of the substances we use in biodynamic farming? I have a feeling that it could. Also, part of the proposed legislation is to list plants that are __permitted__ along with lists of those prohibited. Well, this is just my opinion, I'd love to hear from others. Bonnie York
