Yep, I got a visit from the USDA in AZ. She wanted to know if I had a permit to receive hoyas from out of the country. When I told her yes, she seemed surprised. I had a box of hoyas confiscated by the inifficient customs and they must have told her I didn't have a permit. Well duh...the permit was still on the empty box when I received it. On Friday I received another box of hoyas that was mailed on Tuesday from Thailand, this one wasn't even opened by customs....go figure. I thought maybe they were trying to make up for the ones they confiscated. Anyway the lady said they are really cracking down on people receiving plants without an import permit. So beware and be careful!!
Blessings,
Awanda
This message was edited Oct 11, 2009 1:14 PM
Visit from USDA!!
Arizona (and CA and FLA) have heavy duty lobbyists in Wash DC trying to protect their own interests. AZ gets a lot of pressure from people like Stokes Tropicals to keep others away. It's all about money!!
So...since the permit was on the empty box, did you tell her that you expect your confiscated Hoyas back or them to pay the cost of what you lost since it was due to their inefficiency??
Carol I can believe it's about money.....it's always about money. 3-G, we're talking about the government, they only take money, never give it back:-).
Blessings,
Awanda
USDA is one of the 'favorite children' of our system...they protect so much and know so little!!! (generally speaking, of course).