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Plant Health Certification and Export Program

Plant Health Certification and Export Program

The Plant Health Certification and Export Program helps prevent the introduction and dissemination of serious insects and diseases injurious to nursery stock and plant products through inspections, certification, education, and outreach.

Christmas tree in field

Christmas Tree Inspection and Certification

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has implemented the Federal Spongy Moth Quarantine to limit the spread of this invasive pest. Since Michigan has confirmed spongy moth populations in every county, the entire state lies within the area regulated under the quarantine and all plant material, including cut Christmas trees shipped from within Michigan to areas outside of the quarantine zone must be inspected and have proper certification before transport.

Christmas Tree Inspection & Certification
a person holding a ginseng root

Ginseng

Michigan's Ginseng Certification Program was established to promote the production and harvest of cultivated ginseng. Wild ginseng is rarely found in Michigan and is a threatened (legally protected) plant. Federally, wild ginseng is protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Ginseng
an inspector examining a pile of wood logs

Phytosanitary Export Certification

The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), provides inspection and certification services to Michigan firms exporting plants and plant products to foreign countries. Each foreign country establishes its own phytosanitary (plant health) requirements to help to protect its agricultural and natural resources from the entry, establishment, and spread of harmful insect pests, plant diseases and noxious weeds.

Phytosanitary Export Certification
Highbush blueberry shrubs; in the background someone is harvesting them, blurred out.

Blueberry Certification

Michigan blueberry growers desiring to ship fresh blueberry fruit to destinations in Canada must become certified.

Blueberry Certification Program for Exporting Fresh Fruit to Canada