From: Politico/Morning Agriculture
PRODUCE MOVEMENT RULE HEADS TO OMB: USDA quietly sent its proposed performance standards for the importation and interstate movement of produce to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review late last week, signaling a rule could be released in the next few months. The proposal seeks to expand upon existing regulations governing the importation of produce to apply to all new fruits and vegetables through a notice-based process, according to the Fall 2013 Unified Agenda that detailed USDA’s plan. It aims to streamline the process for allowing produce not currently authorized for import, but still allow USDA to act quickly in the event of a foreign pest or disease outbreak.