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| Maine Agriculture Officials Offer Advice on Shipping Wreaths and Trees Out of State | | 11/19/2009 9:27:00 PM | Email this article • Print this article | The Maine Department of Agriculture urges those sending Christmas trees and wreaths out of state this holiday season to take note of import rules enforced by other states.
"Import regulations for decorative plants can vary from state to state," says Ann Gibbs, state horticulturist. "Some call for inspection or certification of goods, others quarantine or altogether forbid importation of certain plants. Nearly all require the distributor to know these regulations prior to shipment, or else products may not arrive in time. Or ever!"
The Maine Department of Agriculture offers a brochure that outlines other states' importation restrictions. Import standards for cut trees, wreaths and ornamental nuts and fruit exist to protect regional agriculture or other commodities from risk of insect and disease pests.
Gibbs says Maine distributors have in the past learned about these laws the hard way: "Several tree and wreath shipments were impounded and destroyed last year because they were not aware of these regulations in time. We want to prevent future losses by getting word out to shippers now."
Gibbs also urges distributors to clearly identify all their shipments through labeling, beginning with the statement, "Grown in Maine," followed with the county of origin and the name and address of the shipper. Labels should also indicate the contents of packages, including the different types of greenery and decorative nuts. "This information benefits the shipper most by speeding along deliveries. That's important for this time-sensitive industry."
An informational brochure, "Know State Regulations When Shipping Christmas Wreaths and Trees," is available at www.maine.gov/agriculture/pi/horticulture/Wreaths.htm. Copies of the brochure can be obtained by calling 287-3891, or e-mailing ann.gibbs@maine.gov.
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