Re-Export of Seed Grown in Puerto Rico
In 2008 the industry learned that Puerto Rico Department of Ag phytosanitary certificates were not valid for re-exporting seed produced on the island from US locations. Seed shipped from PR under a PRDA-only phyto was essentially stuck in the US. During this time Illinois Crop worked closely with Mike Ward, NSHS Senior Accreditation Programs Manager, Ric Dunkle, ASTA Senior Director of Seed Health and Trade, the Puerto Rico Seed Research Association and Dra. Consuelo Estevez, UPR-M Plant Diagnostic Clinic to provide National Seed Health Program services to clients and competitors alike. In October of 2008 IL Crop added a permanent agronomist to educate and support station personnel regarding all aspects of seed certification and phytosanitary inspection. Illinois Crop has a long term, vested outlook for seed researchers and seed companies utilizing the island’s wonderful resources. As part of its commitment education there are 4 phytosanitary issues need to be considered when utilizing Puerto Rico for seed multiplication/crossing.
- For seed to leave the island for any destination the seed must pass a USDA seed phyto exam. This typically focuses only on absence of insects and/or pathogens. USDA inspectors check each outbound container. For IL Crop clients this inspection occurs at our farm location.
- IL Crop holds a Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture Seed Nursery License and upon request clients may be issued a PRDA phytosanitary certificate. The inspection protocol differs from the USDA program so we need to know if you need a PRDA-only certificate. For some destinations this is sufficient and a USDA certificate is not required.
- Under the National Seed Health System (NSHS) IL Crop is accredited to perform work in PR for corn/sorghum/cotton/soybean/dry bean/sunflower. This work is honored at all levels internationally when USDA certificates are required and this includes seed that comes to US and later re-exported outside of the US for production and or testing.
- When seed is produced in PR and sent to foreign countries the receiving country places additional declarations and/or testing requirements on inbound seed irrespective of PRDA and/or USDA.