Comment from C Starns

I support the amendment to this phytosanitary treatment regulation. Allowing irradiation facilities to operate in the Southern United States will not only increase the quality and safety of our food supply, but will add over (500) direct and indirect jobs with each facility in operation. Produce entering the U.S. is coming from more and more foreign places each year. The risks for the introduction of pests are greater than ever. Electron beam (irradiation) technology provides a "green" solution using no chemicals or leaving any residue that is better for the environment than the conventional methods currently being used. Having the treatment facilities in the Southern States ensures that not only can we treat produce being imported, but also opens up opportunities to export U.S. produce to other countries. This amendment will allow U.S. job creation and access to a global export market for U.S. farmers.