APHIS Seeks Comment on Draft Pest Risk Assessment for the Importation of Apple and Pears From New Zealand

The Government of New Zealand has asked USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to authorize the modification of its existing market access for apple and pears into the United States by authorizing a new hybrid pear species and allowing stems and leaves on all exported fruit. APHIS has drafted a pest risk assessment that describes potential pests associated with the commodities.  

APHIS shares draft pest risk assessments to determine whether stakeholders have information that might lead us to revise the draft assessment before we identify pest mitigations and proceed with the commodity import approval process. 

The draft pest risk assessment for apple and pears will be available for review and comment until August 29, 2026. To view the assessment or submit comments, go to Stakeholder Risk Assessment Consultation.