Three grape grower trade groups filed a complaint on Sept. 13 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, challenging the Agriculture Department's notice allowing table grapes from Chile to be imported under a "systems approach" as opposed to using the standard fumigation requirements (California Table Grape Commission v. United States Department of Agriculture, D.D.C. # 24-02645).
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is a USDA agency responsible for protecting animal and plant health and welfare. APHIS protects U.S. plants, wildlife, and agriculture from invasive plants, animals, and diseases. To facilitate this, APHIS works with CBP to regulate the import and export of animals, animal products, and plants.