Notice is hereby given that the Georgia Department of Agriculture will consider the adoption of the rules relating to Production of Vegetable Transplants
July 2, 2007
Notice of Intent to Consider the Adoption of Rules Promulgated Under O.C.G.A. § 2-7-1
To All Interested Persons and Parties:
Notice is hereby given that the Georgia Department of Agriculture will consider the adoption of the rules relating to Production of Vegetable Transplants, on August 2, 2007, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon (no hearing is scheduled), in Room 243 of the Agriculture Building, 19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Atlanta, Georgia.
Synopsis and Main Features:
Chapter 40-4-7 is being amended to reflect the following changes under O.C.G.A. § 50-13-9 and O.C.G.A. § 2-7-1.
1. The title of this Chapter has been changed from “REGULATIONS FOR THE MOVEMENT OF TOMATO OR TOBACCO PLANTS INTO GEORGIA” to “REGULATIONS FOR THE MOVEMENT OF VEGETABLE TRANSPLANTS INTO GEORGIA” to reflect that all vegetable transplants will now be covered by these regulations.
2. The terms “Tobacco and tomato plants” and “plants” have been replaced with the more accurate description “vegetable transplants”.
3. Rule 40-4-7-.01. The title of this section has been changed from “Movement of Tobacco and Tomato Plants into Georgia” to “Primary Rule”. The requirement of this Rule has been changed to include all vegetable transplants. This Rule also defines “vegetable transplant”.
4. Rule 40-4-7-.02 (1) has been added to require all that all vegetable transplants are free from pests.
5. Rule 40-4-7-.02 (2) lists diseases of concern.
6. Rule 40-4-7-.02 (3) provides that Vegetable transplants may be quarantined or destroyed if the are believed to be infested with insect or plant disease.
7. Rule 40-4-7-.03 removes Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus as a disease of concern since it is widely prevalent in Georgia. Diseases that are not known to be in Georgia are now listed.
8. Rule 40-4-7-.05 (1) (a) removes the restriction of fungicides and insecticides and allows treatment with the appropriate pesticide for pest control. This Rule requires treatment with imidacloprid or similar systemic product for control of whiteflies on vegetable transplants.
9. Rule 40-4-7-.05 (2) (a)-(f) provides the requirements for entry of vegetable transplants into Georgia from states where cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus, cucurbit leaf crumple virus or squash leaf curl begomovirus are known to exist. These requirements include: (a) Vegetable transplants must be free from pests listed in Sections 40-4-7.02, (b) Field grown vegetable transplants are not eligible for shipment into Georgia, (c) Screenhouse or Greenhouses must be maintained in to prevent entry of whiteflies, (d) Vegetable transplants will not be accepted if Bemisia species whiteflies are detected on the plants, (e) Vegetable transplants must be visually inspected for disease and pest symptoms weekly, and (f) Sticky traps must be installed in the screenhouse or greenhouse.
10. Rule 40-4-7-.06 (1) requires that vegetable transplants be accompanied by an official certificate of inspection issued by the Plant Protection Official of the state of origin.
11. Rule 40-4-7-.06 (2) provides that Vegetable transplants found to be in violation of these rules will be subject to confiscation and/or destruction without further notice or compensation.
12. Rule 40-4-7-.06 (3) The states of Arizona, California, Florida and Texas, or any other state where cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus, cucurbit leaf crumple virus or squash leaf curl begomovirus are known to be established must notify the Department prior each shipment.
13. Rule 40-4-7-.07 has been changed to include penalties for organizations or businesses that violate the provisions of this chapter.
Interested individuals may submit written comments concerning the proposed rules by mail or facsimile to:
Mike Evans, Division Director
Plant Protection Division
Georgia Department of Agriculture
19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
Room 243
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Fax Number: 404-656-3644
Written comments must be received no later than close of business (4:30 p.m. EDT) on August 1, 2007. This notice is given in compliance with Section 4(a)(1) of the Georgia Administrative Procedure Act. O.C.G.A. § 50-13-4.
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