Comment from John D'Arrigo

As the major producer of Cactus pears in the USA, with plantations only located in Monterey County California, D?Arrigo Bros of California lauds the USDA?s proposed rule changes for preventing the spread of cactoblastis outside of the current area of distribution in southeastern USA. However, we are concerned that the proposed changes may unnecessarily affect transport of edible cactus fruits and nopalitos, produced outside quarantined areas, into and out of major distribution centers that are located in quarantined areas. It is unlikely that egg sticks could be laid by moths on fruits or nopalitos in a distribution center and highly unlikely that such eggs could complete their life cycle on these products. Therefore we suggest that a section be added to the regulations regarding the interstate movement of fresh cactus fruit and nopalitos originating outside the quarantined areas but moved to a distribution center in a quarantined area for redistribution outside the quarantined areas. Possible wording could include: ?Certain regulated articles (Cactus pears and nopalitos) may be moved interstate without a certificate or limited permit if the regulated article: ? Originated outside the quarantined area and is either moved in an enclosed vehicle or is completely enclosed by a covering (such as canvas, plastic, or other closely woven cloth) adequate to prevent access by South American cactus moths while moving to a distribution center in the quarantined area, where the products is unloaded and stored in an enclosed building. The products is then reloaded and moved outside the quarantined area in an enclosed vehicle or is completely enclosed by a covering (such as canvas, plastic, or other closely woven cloth) adequate to prevent access by South American cactus moths.?