Which agency oversees phytosanitary regulations in the United States?

The agency that oversees phytosanitary regulations in the United States is the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This federal department plays a crucial role in managing agricultural policies, including the protection of plant health. The USDA is responsible for establishing standards, monitoring, and enforcing regulations designed to prevent the introduction and spread of plant pests and diseases that could harm U.S. agriculture and the environment.

While the Department of Agriculture is involved in various aspects of agriculture policy, it is the USDA specifically that houses the divisions and programs focused on safeguarding plant health. The USDA's phytosanitary regulations are vital for international trade, as they ensure that imported and exported plant products meet safety and health requirements.

Additionally, the USDA includes the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) as one of its key agencies. APHIS directly implements and enforces the phytosanitary regulations, inspecting plants and plant products and working to control and eradicate pests and diseases. Thus, while APHIS works within the framework provided by USDA, the overarching responsibility for phytosanitary regulations lies with the USDA itself.