ASTA Hosts Import/Export Workshop in Tacoma

More than 60 ASTA members that ship through Pacific Northwest ports gathered November 13-14 to discuss current challenges and best practices for seed imports and exports. Participants at the ASTA-hosted workshop received training on APHIS’ Phytosanitary Export Database (PExD) and Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance and Tracking system (PCIT), and heard updates from Oregon and Washington Departments of Agriculture, the APHIS Seattle Plant Inspection Station, Customs and Border Protection, and the Northwest Seaport Alliance. ASTA staff also provided briefings on national and global phytosanitary regulations, trade policy, and seed labeling practices. In addition to the issue briefings, participants had the opportunity to tour the Mercer Centralized Exam Station and warehouse, and the Northwest Seaport Alliance’s Tacoma terminals.