Comment from Richard Gaskalla

To Whom It May Concern: This letter is being written to provide comments regarding the Federal Register document entitled “Importation of Tomatoes From Importation of Tomatoes From the Economic Community of West African States Into the Continental United States Into the Continental United States”, which proposing to amend the fruits and vegetables regulations to allow the importation of tomatoes form the member States of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) into the continental United States. We are opposed to this regulation that would allow for movement of tomatoes from the Economic Community of West African States into the Continental United States as Florida’s climate would be favorable to many pests that may be imported with this material. The ten pests listed under the pest risk assessment are all plant pests that would have direct impact on Florida’s agriculture and native environment. We feel that the risk of introducing these plant pests, namely exotic fruit flies through the importation of tomatoes from States of the Economic community of West African States, is a risk we are not willing to take. Once introduced, exotic fruit flies would trigger costly control measures, reduction of crop yield and halt the movement of host fruits and vegetables from Florida. We also feel that more information is needed to evaluate the method APHIS would use to monitor the production sites and post-harvest procedures. What frequency will APHIS visit production and packing facilities? What specific guidelines would be required by the packing house and who will be responsible for the oversight? Also, when live pests are detected, what corrective measures will be taken to prevent a reoccurrence? What penalties will be applied? Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this proposed rule amendment. Regards, Richard Gaskalla