Comment from Richard D Gaskalla, Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services

August 3, 2006 Docket Number APHIS 2006-0033 Regulatory Analysis and Development PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8 4700 River Road, Unit 118 Riverdale, Maryland 20737-1238 Re: Docket Number APHIS-2006-0033, Citrus Canker: Compensation for Certified Citrus Nursery Stock. To Whom It May Concern: The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is supportive of the USDA-APHIS proposal to compensate Florida citrus nurseries which were adversely impacted by the Citrus Canker Eradication Program (CCEP), including nurseries that had infected and exposed plants destroyed, as well as those nurseries that were placed under quarantine due to proximity of citrus canker finds on other properties in the vicinity. Immediate Final Orders (IFOs) were issued for infected and exposed nursery stock that required destruction under the CCEP. Nurseries that fell within citrus canker quarantine zones were also issued a public order advising them of the regulatory requirement which included the provision of no citrus nursery stock movement off the nursery premise. The Stop Sale and Hold Order issued to nurseries within quarantine areas had the same effect as an IFO. Concerning the values placed on the various categories of nursery stock, the FDACS is supportive of the USDA?s initial assessment, but agrees that there may be a need for some adjustments with emphasis on field and greenhouse- grown seedlings and liners. The FDACS respectfully requests that careful consideration be given to the comments received from industry on all areas of this proposal, but with emphasis on the citrus seedling and liner values. Docket No. APHIS-2006-0033 July 20, 2006 Page Two In closing, please know that the FDACS greatly appreciates the actions being taken to provide fair and equitable compensation to commercial citrus nurseries as they are of foundational importance to the continued well-being of Florida?s citrus. Sincerely, CHARLES H. BRONSON COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE Richard D. Gaskalla Division Director RDG/dc