USDA Seeks Public Comment on Petition to Deregulate Early Juvenile Blooming and Near-Continuous Blooming Plum Developed Using Genetic Engineering 

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Washington, D.C., August 13, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) invites public comment on a petition from USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, Appalachian Fruit Research Station to deregulate a plum developed using genetic engineering. The plum variety produces early juvenile blooming and near continuous blooming.  


The public will have 60 days to review and comment on the petition and draft Plant Pest Risk Assessment (PPRA). APHIS encourages submission of scientific data, studies, or research in support of comments.  


Beginning August 14, 2026, members of the public can submit comments through October 13, 2026, on the petition and draft PPRA by going to www.regulations.gov and entering “APHIS-2026-0265” into the Search field.  

 

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