Please join the USDA, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and DHS, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the 2012 Agriculture Stakeholder Conference: Pests, Pathways, and Partnerships.

When:  May 1-2, 2012, Tuesday-Wednesday

Where: APHIS Headquarters, 4700 Riverdale Road, Riverdale, MD

The purpose of this two day conference is to discuss the future of Agricultural Quarantine Inspection (AQI) initiatives and to garner input on how CBP and APHIS can better serve stakeholder needs.  This conference will bring together diverse stakeholder groups representing the animal product, plant product, and shipping industries as well federal and state regulatory officials to engage in an open dialogue centered on pest exclusion efforts and trade facilitation. 

Proposed Agenda Items:

• Future AQI outreach initiatives

• Leveraging resources to protect U.S. agriculture and natural resources

• How to increase efficiency at the border

• Update on new AQI fee structure

Invited speakers:

• APHIS Administrator, Dr. Gregory L. Parham

• Acting CBP Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Thomas S. Winkowski

• PPQ Deputy Administrator, Ms. Rebecca A. Bech, and 

• Acting CBP Assistant Commissioner OFO, Mr. Kevin K. McAleenan

Registration and Additional Information

Conference announcements, including registration information, will be sent out through the Stakeholder Registry in mid February. Space is limited so early registration is recommended. For more information please contact Melonie Torillo at (301) 851-2269 ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).