Japanese Beetle Regulatory Treatment Review Committee

Chair:

Dr. Phillip Lewis
Regulatory Treatments Program Coordinator
USDA APHIS PPQ
1398 W. Truck Rd
Buzzards Bay, MA 02542
phone: 508-563-0914
fax: 508-563-0903
email: Phillip.A.Lewis@aphis.usda.gov

Nursery Industry Representative:

Craig Regelbrugge
AmericanHort
1250 I Street
Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005
phone: 202-789-2900
fax: 202-789-1893
email: CraigR@AmericanHort.org

Category 1 State Representatives:

Robert Hougaard
Division of Plant Industry
Utah Dept. of Agriculture & Food
350 North Redwood Road
Box 146500
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6500
phone: 801-538-7178
email: rhougaard@utah.gov

Nick Condos
Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services Division
California Dept. of Food and Agriculture
1220 N Street, Room 221
Sacramento, CA 95814
phone: 916-654-0317
mobile: 916-834-3161
email: nick.condos@cdfa.ca.gov

Category 2 State Representatives:

Julie Van Meter
Bureau of Plant Industry
Nebraska Department of Agriculture
301 Centennial Mall south
PO Box 94756
Lincoln, NE 68509-4756
phone: 402-471-6847
fax: 402-471-6892
email: Julie.vanmeter@nebraska.gov

Category 3 State Representatives:

Mike Bryan
Pesticide and Plant Pest Mgmt.
Michigan Dept. of Agriculture
P. O. Box 30017
Lansing, MI 48909
phone: 517-241-2977
fax: 517-335-4540
email: bryanm@michgan.gov

Dana Rhodes
Division of Plant Health
Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture
2301 N. Cameron St.
Harrisburg, PA 17110
phone: 717-772-5209
fax: 717-783-3275
email: danrhodes@pa.gov

Research Representatives:

Rich Cowles
Connecticut Ag Experiment Station, Valley Lab.
P.O. Box 248
Windsor, CT 06095
phone: 860-683-4977
fax: 860-683-4987
email: Richard.Cowles@ct.gov

Jason Oliver
Nursery Crop Research Center
Tennesse e State University
472 Cadillac Lane
McMinnville, TN 37110
phone: 931-668-3572
fax: 931-668-3134
email: joliver@tnstate.edu

Dr. Mike Reding
USDA-ARS
Horticultural Insects Research Lab
Ohio Agricultural Research & Development Center
1680 Madison Ave.
Wooster, OH 44691
Phone: 330-263-3629
email: Mike.Reding@ARS.USDA.GOV

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Japanese Beetle Survey Committee

Chair:

Rich Johnson
National Program Manager
USDA APHIS PPQ – Emergency and Domestic Programs
4700 River Road, Unit 26
Riverdale, MD 20737
phone: (301) 851-2109
email: Richard.N.Johnson@aphis.usda.gov

Nursery Industry Representative:

Craig Regelbrugge
AmericanHort
1250 I Street
Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005
phone: 202-789-2900
fax: 202-789-1893
email: CraigR@AmericanHort.org

Central Plant Board Representative:

Jeff Vogel KS
Plant Protection and Weed Control Program
Kansas Department of Agriculture
PO Box 19282
Topeka, KS 66619-1282
785-682-2180
Jeff.Vogel@KDA.KS.GOV

Eastern Plant Board Representative:

Lee Corte-Real
Division of Crop and Pest Services
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
251 Causeway Street, Suite 500
Boston, MA 02114-2151
phone: 617-626-1776
fax: 617-626-1850
email: lee.corte-real@state.ma.us

Southern Plant Board Representative:

Awinash Bhatkar
Coordinator for Biosecurity and Agriculture Resource Management
Texas Dept. of Agriculture
P.O. Box 12847
Austin, TX 78711
phone: 512-463-5025
fax: 888-215-5385
email: awinash.bhatkar@texasagriculture.gov

Western Plant Board Representative:

Jason Leathers
California Department of Food and Agriculture
email: jason.leathers@cdfa.ca.gov 

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NPB Stone Fruits Certification Committee

Work completed. Chair: Ruth Welliver, PA

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Imported Fire Ant Committee

Chair:

VACANT

Western Plant Board:

John Caravetta, Arizona Department of Agriculture

Southern Plant Board:

Christel Harden, Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries

Central Plant Board:

Collin Wamsley, Missouri Department of Agriculture

Eastern Plant Board:

Kim Rice, Maryland Department of Agriculture

USDA:

Richard Johnson, National Policy Manager

 

Melinda Sullivan, National Operations Manager

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USDA APHIS PPQ Biological Control Cross Functional Working Group

Responsible for updating the PPQ Biological Control Strategic Framework

USDA APHIS PPQ CARPOL Working Group

The CARPOL (Certificates, Accreditations, Registrations, Permits, and Other Licenses) working group focuses on the “State Review” workflow for PPQ and BRS permit and notification applications prior to issuance within the new system.  The State Review workgroup’s focus will be to identify requirements for the system so that the state review and comment of both PPQ and BRS applications occurs efficiently and effectively.  The work will include reviewing the current State review work flow in ePermits and identifying improvements that can be incorporated into the new system to make State reviews easier and ensure State comments and regulatory requirements continue to be captured.

USDA APHIS PPQ Citrus Health Response Program (CHRP) National Program Coordination Group

The group participates in various working groups in support of the citrus health response program. The goal of the CHRP is to sustain the United States’ citrus industry, to maintain grower’s continued access to export markets, and to safeguard against a variety of citrus diseases and pests.

USDA APHIS PPQ Cooperative Agreements Working Group

Agreements Template Side-by-Side (February 2016)

USDA APHIS PPQ Export Certification Work Group

The former Export Board of Advisors has been restructured as the Export Certification Working Group, which also includes a member representing California County Agriculture Commissioners, Marilyn Kinoshita. The purpose of the group will be to review export policies and procedures for consistency and for their impacts on States. They will also discuss upcoming initiatives and changes to policies.

Meeting Notes (attachments included):

 

May 9, 2018
November 15, 2017
August 26, 2017
February 15, 2017
November 16, 2016
August 17, 2016
May 11, 2016
February 17, 2016
March 18, 2015
October 8, 2014
July 22, 2014
June 11, 2014
February 12, 2014
July 10, 2013
May 15, 2013
February 21, 2013
December 13, 2012
August 30, 2012
June 28, 2012
April 26, 2012
February 23, 2012
January 26, 2012
December 8, 2011
October 6, 2011
August 4, 2011
May 26, 2011
March 17, 2011
January 20, 2011
November 16, 2010
September 28, 2010

USDA APHIS PPQ Federally Recognized State Managed Phytosanitary Program (FRSMP) Working Group

This group provides State perspective and guidance on the development of the Federally Recognized State Managed Phytosanitary Program, formerly known as official control.

Gypsy Moth Moving Industry Group

Summary of work: Although household moves have long been known as a high risk pathway for the movement of gypsy moth, contamination of the conveyances themselves used in the containerized move pathway (e.g. PODS and PackRat) has recently surfaced as a concern.  Addressing the containerized move pathway is a priority for PPQ and the NPB.  A group containing representatives from NPB and PPQ has been assembled to share information and ideas on this topic.  Periodic group calls will be scheduled on an as needed basis.

  • Helmuth Rogg, OR (WPB)
  • Nick Condos, CA (WPB)
  • Jeff Knight, NV (WPB)
  • Scott Shirmer, IL (CPB)
  • Taryn LaScola, MA (EPB)
  • Larry Nichols, VA (SPB)

USDA APHIS PPQ Gypsy Moth Manual Review Committee

The GMMRC is a committee composed of APHIS PPQ and NPB representatives that are tasked with in in-depth review and updating the Gypsy Moth program manual. This manual reflects program policies, activities, and tools as they existed 15 and 20 years ago.  Over time there have been significant changes in the way we survey for gypsy moth, our regulatory practices and policies, products and strategies for suppression and eradication treatments and many other shifts in how the program operates. This committee will conduct an exhaustive and comprehensive review and update.

 

USDA APHIS PPQ National CAPS Committee

The purpose of the National Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) Committee (NCC) is to provide guidance at the national and state level for the pest detection program. The Committee provides national guidance for policy, procedures, budgets, and performance tracking of CAPS initiatives. It helps to finalize the annual PPQ National CAPS Guidelines, including a list of exotic plant pests for survey priority, and communicates standardized survey methodologies. It helps establish communication objectives, policies, and plans to the stakeholders that the NCC members represent.

The NCC meets once a month on the first Thursday of the month by teleconference to discuss and plan CAPS business. Additionally, the NCC meets annually face-to-face in late January to review the CAPS program and initiatives, set priorities for the coming year, and begin to prepare the next year’s edition of the CAPS Survey Guidelines and pest lists.

 

USDA APHIS PPQ National Clean Plant Network (NCPN)

NCPN is governed by a central Core Working Group (CWG) made up of a member each from APHIS, ARS and NIFA. The CWG is assisted by a National Governing Body (NGB) comprising five state and federal invited members.

NPB NGB Members:

The NGB is composed of industry stakeholders, academic and state and federal government representatives who develop standard operating procedures to be followed throughout the network. Board members are elected, nominated or invited based on expertise and geographical location to represent the specialty crops served by the NCPN. The Board establishes work groups as needed and provides the work groups with guidelines for their operation. All operating procedures are published and provided to stakeholders for input. Stakeholder input is used to modify operating procedures as needed and operating procedures are validated prior to implementation. A consultative process is used that involves all stakeholders to ensure relevance of the material inventoried in working collections.

Specialty Crop Committee Members

Tree Fruit:

Grapes:

Citrus:

  • Peggy Sieburth, FL (SPB)
  • Lisa Williams, FL (SPB)

Berries:

  • Tobin Gilbert, WA (WPB)

Hops:

Sweet Potato:

  • Richard Miller, LA (SPB)
  • Ann Gallagher, NC (SPB)

USDA APHIS PPQ National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN) Operations Committee

The NPDN was established in 2002 by legislative mandate in response to the need to enhance agricultural security through protection of the health and productivity of plants in agricultural and natural ecosystems in the U.S. The specific purpose of the NPDN is to provide a nationwide network of public agricultural institutions with a cohesive, distributed system to quickly detect high consequence pests and pathogens that have been introduced into agricultural and natural ecosystems, identify them, and immediately report them to appropriate responders and decision makers. The Operations Committee is the steering body of this network.

National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN) Data Sharing Committee

 

USDA APHIS PPQ New Pest Advisory Group (NPAG)

The NPAG, through their executive secretary, sends requests for input from the NPB to the NPB regional representatives listed below. They in turn ask for information from their regional board members and reply back to the NPAG. It is requested that a “no response/concern” be provided as well as any concerns to the list of pests provided for review by the NPAG. NPAG Lead: Christie Bertone, Executive Secretary Christie.A.Bertone@aphis.usda.gov

USDA APHIS PPQ Phytosanitary Certification, Inspection and Tracking Working Group (PCIT)

  • VACANT
  • VACANT

 

USDA APHIS PPQ P. ramorum Regulatory Working Group

The purpose of the P. ramorum Regulatory Working Group is to review and/or, evaluate the P. ramorum program. Meet as requested to review changes to the program regulations and/or protocols. The group looks at a wide variety of issues, including regulatory protocols, triggers for regulation/deregulation, critical control points, high-risk plants, implications of soil and water positives, compliance agreements, import requirements, and other relevant issues and information.

USDA APHIS PPQ Post-Entry Review Group

The purpose of this group and its sub-groups has been to perform a comprehensive, systematic review of the PEQ Program. The groups have been in existence for about 2 years. PPQ is currently in the process of preparing a white paper to collectively compile what has been completed so far and determine the status of ongoing activities. Three of the six sub-groups have completed most or all of their assigned goals and objectives and are now participating in a reference capacity. Of the remaining three sub-groups, one is slated to complete many of its remaining tasks within about 6 months. The second is in the process of reestablishing as the leadership has changed. The third group completed many of its assigned goals; however, there are remaining tasks that need to move through the regulatory process and some items that are tied to the development of the ARM database, which is in the process and anticipated for final rollout in about 3 years). The white paper will help identify key issues, concerns, and recommendations so that these can be further considered and implemented by PPQ.

USDA APHIS PPQ Quality Assurance Working Group (Ad-hoc)

The Quality Assurance Working Group is an ad-hoc group that helps PPQ conduct a full quality assurance review of one to two programs each year. In FY 2011, PPQ anticipates conducting one review (program to be determined).

NPB representatives “to be determined” based on which program will be reviewed.

USDA APHIS PPQ Farm Bill Planning Group

The purpose of the group is to review the Farm Bill Section 10201 submissions and prioritize the benefits and costs of the projects in order to develop a spending plan. The group meets once a year.

USDA FS Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team Steering Committee

Chair: Frank Sapio, Fort Collins, CO, 970.295.5840

  • VACANT
  • Alternate: VACANT

 USDA APHIS PPQ/NPB Interagency Relations Committee

Formed to improve communication of relevant information between Plant Protection and Quarantine and the National Plant Board, and to strengthen the State-Federal relationship.

Interagency Gypsy Moth Working Group

Cross-organizational group will work with APHIS and other Gypsy Moth Program partners to expore and refine a standard based approach to federal regulation of logs from gypsy moth quarantined areas.

National Gypsy Moth Management Board

The purpose of the group is to assist in reviewing and coordinating gypsy moth activities in the United States, to make recommendations to the USDA, State Agencies and private organizations, particularly regarding development and implementation of IPM programs for gypsy moth and the eradication of isolated infestations, to conduct educational programs, and to act as a focal point for nationwide concerns about gypsy moth. This board has not been active in the past year and is utilized on an as needed basis.

  • Carl Harper, Chair (KY)
  • Melody Walker, Vice Chair (WI)
  • Don Eggen, Ex-Officio (PA)
  • Nancy Johnson, Secretary/Treasurer (IL)
  • David Adkins, Director At Large (OH)
  • Chris Elder, Director at Large (NC)
  • John Kyhl, Member, State & Private (MN)
  • Bill McNee, Director at Large (WI)
  • Ksenia Onufrieva, Member – Research
  • Sarah Phipps, Director at Large (MO)
  • David Schumacher, Member – Industry (PA)

National Invasive Species Council, Invasive Species Advisory Committee (ISAC)

Executive Order 13112 calls for the creation of a Federal Advisory Committee to provide information and advice for consideration by the NISC. The Advisory Committee is composed of stakeholders from state organizations, industry, conservation groups, scientists, academia and other interests.

  • No NPB Representative

NSHS Policy and Procedures Advisory Board

This group meets once a year, usually in conjunction with the American Seed Trade Association meeting. They also have conference calls throughout the year as needed. The group provides insights into the National Seed Health System (an APHIS-led organization) on policy and operational decisions regarding seed health export issues. This group plans to keep meeting into the foreseeable future. Other members of the group include APHIS and ASTA members, Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA), and Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA).

Systems Approach to Nursery Certification (SANC)

Purpose: To evaluate the findings of audit-based certification studies funded under the Farm Bill; and to determine the feasibility of developing and harmonizing national standards for a voluntary audit-based nursery certification program. Leads: Dana Rhodes PA, and Scott Pfister PPQ

Please visit the SANC Website, sanc.nationalplantboard.org

Committee documents:
Report to APHIS on the National Voluntary Audit-Based Systems Approach to Nursery Certification Project 2011

SANC PowerPoint (updated April 9, 2012)

Evaluation of the USDA/APHIS United States Nursery Certification Program (USNCP)

National Plant Board ABC – Survey Summary March 2011


Technical Advisory Group for Biological Control of Weeds (TAGBCW)

The TAGBCW consists of representatives of various U.S. Federal agencies, the Federal Governments of Mexico and Canada (Ad Hoc members), and one representative of state government. The inter-agency TAGBCW was created in 1957 and is currently chaired by a TAGBCW member from the Army Corps of Engineers. The primary purpose of the TAGBCW is to provide guidance to the biological control researchers. The TAGBCW reviews petitions from biological control researchers and provides recommendations, to PPQ permitting program for a “first-time” release of biological control agents of weeds.

Regulatory Framework for Seed Health Working Group

  • Larry Nichols, VA (SPB)
  • Dana Rhodes, PA (EBP)

Official Control Advisory Panel

  • Mark Abrahamson, MN (CPB)

NAPPO Expert Panel – RSPM 35 (tree fruit)

  • Kathy Kromroy, MN (CPB)

Regulated Domestic Pest Program Evaluations Committee

  • Julie Van Meter, NE (CPB)
  • Joe Zoltowski, NJ (EPB)
  • Helmuth Rogg, OR (WPB)
  • Steven Long, SC (SPB)

Strategic Alliance Initiative on Data Collection and Use

  • Jared Driscoll, NH (EPB)
  • Mike Merriman, MN (CPB)
  • Larry Nichols, VA (SPB)
  • John Caravetta, AZ (WPB)
  • Aurelio Posadas (NPB)

Interagency Relations Committee Working Groups

Interagency Relations Committee Strategies Document (May 2018)
Interagency Relations Committee Roles and Responsibilities Table (May 2018)

 

 

Last Modified: June 2018