ATLANTA — With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agriculture Specialists are working hard to keep the critters out of the flowers you buy for your sweetheart.
Channel 2 Action News was at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Tuesday as agents inspected the stem-cut flowers.
Imported flowers may carry hitchhiking pests and diseases that could cause millions of dollars in damage to the U.S. flower industry and beyond. While the vast majority of flowers entering the country are safe, even one hitchhiking pest or plant disease can cause significant damage to American agriculture. It’s critically important not only to consumers, but to the vitality of the U.S. economy that cut flower imports are carefully inspected by CBP agriculture specialists.
If pests or diseases are found, the shipments may be treated and released, re-exported, or destroyed. Examples of past interceptions found by agriculture specialists include species of Noctuidae and Aphididae, commonly known as the Owlet Moth and aphids respectively.
The top three types of flower shipments in the U.S. during the Valentine’s season so far this year have been roses and mixed bouquets, and the top three countries of origin are Colombia, Ecuador and the Netherlands.
“Every day, the men and women of CBP are working hard to protect our economy and our environment from invasive species that could wreak havoc for our farmers,” said CBP’s Acting Commissioner Mark Morgan. “Their commitment to the mission, exceptional expertise and attention to detail ensure the American flower industry stays safe.”
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