The following report is reprinted with permission from the U C apiary
newsletter produced by Eric Mussen. Thank you Eric
 
This needs US beekeeper input so listen up and pay attention. Walter Patton
 
        "A second federal government representative, Bob Flanders from
USDA/APHIS Risk Assessment - Organism Permitting, attended the meeting to
tell us that changes are likely in the federal "Bee Act."  The current act
is basically a prohibition to importing anything involving live bees and
reproductive products into the U.S.  USDA researchers and their cooperators
were the only exceptions.
 
        The GATT agreements are forcing the issue, because they require
open
trade unless there is a demonstrable threat from an imported item.  New
Zealand, Australia, and other European countries have been knocking on our
door for years to allow their stocks to come here.  Obviously, this will
not
be a reciprocal agreement with countries that do not have tracheal or
Varroa
mites.
 
        Apparently, the new approach(under the Federal Advisory Committee
Act) will involve the formulation of a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) that
would decide who is allowed to import what, and from where.
 
        This still would open the borders only for "research" imports.
Exotic queen and/or semen importations would have to arrive through an
approved quarantine facility, be reared under close scrutiny, then released
following review of data by the TAG.
 
        Additionally, the importations would have to be done in compliance
with the National Environmental Policy Act, which requires acceptable
Environmental Assessment and Environmental Impact Statements.  Violators
would receive more than a slap on the hand - a $10,000 per queen fine is
being discussed.
 
        Commercial stock importations from the previously mentioned
countries, plus Canada and Mexico, would be allowed through a permit
system.
Using the FAO guidelines (Risk Assessment Process), the country of origin
would be assessed.  If no threat is perceived, and the importer adequately
justifies the need for importation, the permit would be issued.
 
        If you would like to share your opinions on this subject with Bob,
don't wait around.  Bob intends to formulate and have reviewed the new
regulations in half a year, publish them in the Federal Register (for
comment) in August, and implemented as a new law by the end of 1997.
Frequently, what is published in the Federal Register is what persists to
law.  So, Contact Bob, now, if you wish to share your ideas on this topic:
(301) 734-8896  [FAX (301) 734-8700] or mail to PPQ Permit Unit, 4700 River
Road, Unit 133, Riverdale, MD  20737-1228."