"A federal judge's decision upholding a federal rule allowing Taiwan to export potted orchids into the United States is causing concern among Hawaii's nurseries...
U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth of Washington, D.C., rejected a claim by Hawaii orchid growers that the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Fish and Wildlife Service failed to adequately consider risks of insects in potted orchids. The judge found that the federal agencies used the best scientific evidence to conclude that insects in potted orchids are not likely to harm threatened or endangered species in Hawaii. ...10 of the 450 USDA staffers inspecting products at Hawaii's ports are examining incoming products. The Legislature has approved funds for 56 more positions in a projected joint inspection facility... The judge's ruling is limited to potted phalaenopsis... Those account for less than 1 percent of the $100 million in sales from Hawaii's locally grown flower and nursery products and less than 5 percent of the $22.2 million in sales of potted-orchids. The ruling may prompt Taiwan to seek permission for import of other types of orchids. ... Despite Taiwan's cheap labor and government subsidies, Hawaii farmers are able to compete with Taiwanese plants ... because they now are shipped first to California and from there to Hawaii. However, they no longer are able to make large profits on the mainland, where orchid plants that once sold for $75 now go for $20... ... If the inspections reveal invasive species in the incoming potted plants, the Hawaii orchid growers will have ammunition to return to court. Japan has blocked shipments of Taiwan orchids after finding insects or disease." article URL: http://starbulletin.com/2006/07/22/editorial/editorial01.html ********** regards, VB _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [email protected] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
