Colorado Plants Travel the Globe

CDA Inspects for Safe Travel

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Phytosanitary Certification Program has issued 2,318 “phyto” certificates since July 1, 2009; those products are destined for distribution to 85 countries around the globe.

The Phytosanitary Certification Program makes it possible for Colorado producers to export produce, seeds, and other plant commodities to foreign countries through inspection and issuance of phytosanitary export certificates.

“CDA’s phytosanitary program inspects shipments for harmful pests and plant diseases to prevent them from hitchhiking their way to foreign countries,” said Laura Pottorff, CDA’s phytosanitary coordinator. “This program provides a vital service for plant health around the globe.”

CDA’s Top “Phyto” Countries

Based on July 1, 2009 to March 19, 2010 timeline

Country	Total Cert. Issued	Primary Phyto Commodities Inspected
Mexico	1542	potatoes, pinto beans, onion, sunflower seeds (grain), popcorn
Canada	75	seed, annual and perennial bedding plants, poinsettias
Turkey	35	sunflower seeds (grain)
Malaysia	33	millet
Australia	32	seed, pinto beans
Republic of Korea	32	seed, millet

Those commodities inspected add to Colorado’s ability to export high quality products around the world; in 2009, Colorado’s total agricultural export value was approximately $1.2 billion.

For more information on CDA’s phyto program, visit www.colorado.gov/ag and click on “Phytosanitary Certification Program.” You will also be able to view a complete list of the countries CDA issues phyto certificates for, the number of phyto certificates issued per country, and a world map highlighting the countries.