What is the role of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in phytosanitary measures?

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) plays a critical role in implementing regulations designed to protect U.S. agriculture from pests and diseases that could harm crops and livestock. This function is central to the agency's mission, which includes safeguarding the health and marketability of U.S. agricultural products. By establishing and enforcing phytosanitary measures, APHIS works to prevent the introduction and spread of harmful organisms that threaten agricultural resources.

The regulations APHIS implements include monitoring and inspections of incoming and outgoing agricultural products, conducting risk assessments, and requiring treatments or quarantine measures when necessary to mitigate risks. Such comprehensive efforts are essential for maintaining the integrity of the agricultural sector and ensuring food security.

While promoting agricultural exports, conducting research, and providing educational resources are important aspects of agricultural support and industry growth, they are supplementary functions relative to APHIS's primary responsibility of protecting plant health through regulatory measures.