Importation of Fresh Hass Avocado Fruit Grown in Michoacan, Mexico

We are amending the regulations governing the importation of fruits and vegetables to allow fresh Hass avocado fruit grown in approved orchards in approved municipalities in Michoacan, Mexico, to be imported into certain areas of the United States, subject to certain conditions. We are taking this action in response to a request from the Mexican Government and after reviewing public comments regarding that request and conducting a pest risk assessment. The conditions to which the importation of fresh Hass avocado fruit will be subject, including pest surveys and pest risk-reducing cultural practices, packinghouse procedures, inspection and shipping procedures, and restrictions on the time of year shipments may enter the United States, will reduce the risk of pest introduction to an insignificant level. Furthermore, climatic conditions in those areas of the United States into which the avocados will be allowed will preclude the establishment in the United States of any of the exotic plant pests that may attack avocados in Michoacan, Mexico.