Comment from Richard Gaskalla

Re: Docket No.APHIS-2011-0078 “Notice of Availability of a PRA for the Importation of Shredded Lettuce From Egypt” To Whom It May Concern: The Florida Department Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Division of Plant Industry (FDACS’ DPI) reviewed Federal Register Docket No.APHIS-2011-0078 regarding the importation of shredded lettuce from Egypt into the continental United States. FDACS’ DPI does not support the importation of shredded lettuce from Egypt into Florida at this time because this crop has shown to be a host for several species of economically important leaf miners that could be an economic threat to Florida agriculture. The phytosanitary measure of shredding lettuce does not fully remove the possible risk of introduction of these exotic leaf miners. FDACS’ DPI requests that shipments not be permitted entry into Florida until the shipping protocol has had sufficient time to demonstrate the effectiveness of the cited mitigation measures. Regards, ---------------------------- Richard Gaskalla Division Director Division of Plant Industry Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Post Office Box 147100 Gainesville, Florida 32614-7100 (352) 372-3505, Ext. 106 richard.gaskalla@freshfromflorida.com