Regarding the post concerned with the spread of pests in seeds to
Russia:
It is important to keep in mind that the diversity of crops grown in
the U.S. exceeds that in most of Russia. I can recall an article in
Seed Saver's Exchange yearbook in which eager participants in Russia
were being sent seeds of all sorts of new crops (many of which were
not appropriate for their cold climate, unfortunately). There is a
great need for seed there, since collectives did not exactly stress
the kind of agriculture that would favor self-reliance.
This is not to say that the spread of pests isn't a valid concern-
if New World plants are emphasized, the biggest problem may be that
the plants themselves could become weeds (has anyone seen the Ag.
bulletin from years ago touting kudzu as a valuable ground cover that
doesn't spread very much?). The European experience would apply
(many American species can be ordered from European seed companies or
botanical gardens).
All that being said, I believe that while APHIS people have the
knowledge, they don't really have the right to make pronouncements
about what should be barred from export to other countries- its not
their jurisdiction, and not something they've bothered with in the
past. Does APHIS carefully screen all of the grain, etc. exported or
donated to countries around the world? It would be constructive for
a government to aid Russia by voluntarily screening seeds before they
are exported there- at least until they have their own systems in
place. It's probably unintentional, but exhortations not to send
seed end up sounding like the beginning of another protective trade
barrier.
Richard S. Winder
Research Scientist
Forest Weed Biocontrol
Canadian Forest Service
Pacific Forestry Centre
Victoria, B.C.