'Don't pack a pest' programme launched

ST THOMAS (CMC):

A number of United States agencies have collaborated with Caribbean countries in launching a partnership aimed at raising public awareness about the risks associated with passengers potentially introducing pests and diseases into the US and the Caribbean by carrying agricultural and food items in their luggage.

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency said on Wednesday that the US Department of Agriculture and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services have joined the Caribbean in the initiative.

In announcing the implementation of the international 'Travelers Don't Pack a Pest' programme, the CBP said the US Virgin Islands have joined Puerto Rico and Jamaica as locations in the Caribbean to partner in the initiative.

The 'Travelers Don't Pack a Pest' programme was conceived to extend the protection of Florida's food supply and environment to our Caribbean neighbours and beyond," said Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Plant Industry Director, Richard Gaskalla.