By Jamie Martin
The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has published its 2023 Impact Report, revealing significant advancements in protecting America’s agriculture and natural resources.
APHIS Administrator Mike Watson highlighted the agency's pivotal role in safeguarding agricultural health and supporting international food and clothing supply chains.
Over the past year, APHIS’s team of 8,250 employees, spread across 50 states, three territories, and 27 countries, has been instrumental in various achievements.
These include conducting over 700 inspections of field trials for genetically engineered organisms and issuing 15 Regulatory Status Review decisions, which help determine the regulatory treatment of genetically engineered plants.
APHIS also played a key role in the safe import of 3.31 billion pounds of fresh produce and supported a significant increase in U.S. potato exports to Mexico.
The agency's efforts in disease control were evident in its extensive support to combat African swine fever in the Dominican Republic and Haiti and its proactive measures in managing avian influenza outbreaks across the U.S.
Additionally, APHIS enforced an African swine fever protection zone in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and successfully operated a sterile Mediterranean fruit fly production facility in Guatemala to control populations affecting U.S. states and neighboring countries.
Through its comprehensive efforts, APHIS not only addressed immediate threats but also facilitated substantial economic opportunities, including opening new markets for U.S. animal and plant products.
The 2023 Impact Report underscores APHIS’s dedication to its mission, ensuring the health and safety of U.S. agricultural and animal populations.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National