Ag News
Georgia Department of Agriculture taking comments on proposed citrus rules
Posted on Apr 03, 2019 at 0:00 AM
The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is holding a public hearing regarding the proposed adoption of citrus regulations on May 1 at 1 p.m. at the Macon State Farmers Market, located at 2055 Eisenhower Pkwy, Macon, Georgia 31206. The GDA will accept written comments until 4:30 p.m. on April 30.
The GDA is proposing to adopt Chapter 40-4-26, entitled “Citrus Regulations and Quarantine,” a set of proposed rules to minimize the spread of diseases, pathogens and nematodes by citrus.
The proposed rules outline what is being regulated, including citrus plants, plant pathogens, diseases, and insects in all life stages, as well as physical areas subject to regulation. The rules outline requirements for importing citrus plants, budwood and rootstock into Georgia, and prohibits the importation of those items unless the requirements are met.
The proposed rules establish requirements for growing citrus nursery stock in Georgia, participation in the Citrus Nursery Stock Certification Program, completion of an application and payment of an annual fee. The rules also set requirements for retail and wholesale businesses to sell citrus nursery stock.
The proposed rules also set recordkeeping requirements, establish rules for experimental propagation and outline enforcement and penalties.
All comments will be considered on May 2. Please submit written comments to: Mike Evans, Program Director - Plant Protection Section Georgia Department of Agriculture, 1109 Experiment Street, Redding Building, Room 213, Griffin, Georgia 30223. Evans may be reached by phone at 404-586-1140 or by fax at 770-228-7219.
Interested persons may call or submit a written request to obtain a copy of the proposed rules. A copy of the synopsis and the proposed rules may be downloaded from the Georgia Department of Agriculture website at www.gfb.ag/19propGAcitrusrule.
- Categories:
- Tags: