CHAMPLAIN, N.Y. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists working at the Champlain Port of Entry intercepted a federal noxious weed seed from crossing the border and potentially damaging American agriculture.
Noxious Weed Seeds
On October 28, 2014, a shipment of whole cumin seed arrived at the Champlain Port of Entry and was flagged for further inspection. During a physical inspection of the shipment, CBP agriculture specialists discovered a seed believed to be Asphodelus fistulosus Linnaeus, commonly known as onion weed, listed as an invasive exotic federal noxious weed. On October 29, a USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) – Plant Protection and Quarantine botanist positively identified the seed as Asphodelus fistulosus Linnaeus.
An Emergency Action Notice was issued to the importer and the shipment was sent back to Canada.
“Stopping invasive weeds before they can enter the U.S. is a vital role of CBP agriculture specialists,” explained Port Director Paul Mongillo, Port of Champlain.
Agriculture specialists protect the U.S. from the threat of invasive plant pests and foreign animal diseases with inspection and prevention efforts. Pests and plant disease have the potential for serious damage to America’s crops, livestock, environment and public health.
CBP agriculture specialists have extensive training and experience in biological sciences and agriculture inspection. Visit http://www.cbp.gov/border-security/protecting-agriculture for more information about CBP’s mission to protect American agriculture.