Seed trading Post

**Blasfemo** · 07-09-2010, 09:09 PM

So i had this crazy idea we could all share our seeds providing a source of different fruits, vegetables or other that is not available for us in other any way.

First thing that comes to mind is RULES so USDA lists should be consulted so that you dont get your natural balance disturbed by a plant that you import.

Noxious weed List

Parasitic plants list

So, two ways i thought this could be done, one sends and pays and receives something in return, in some cases between you guys in Americas you might use CoD or even in person i think. International in some cases specific restrictions might apply im not sure.
i have done this with other people, both with seeds and animals and so far i never had any problems.
Government importation lists have been updated recently in many european countrys so each should make due diligence.

This might give a chance to some of us tame and adapt species that we never know might be our bread and butter

My 2 cents anyway feedback is welcome!

**LowKey** · 07-09-2010, 10:53 PM

I'll never forget my first foray onto a seed-sharing website. Some guy in Australia was looking for Poison Ivy seed. He had no idea what it was but wanted to use it to protect his property. And no one seemed to care about importation rules.

Noxious and Parasitic aren't the only lists you have to worry about.
Endangered and Invasive are two more.

That said, most seed-shares are swaps. No money involved.

Not putting down the idea but keeping it local is better.

**Blasfemo** · 07-09-2010, 11:04 PM

ye money is for example if i send one pack from here to America or vice versa, im sure i woudl have to pay postage and stuff, i never had any problems either but of course one should refer it i guess... i normally use something like cotton or other fiber inside a small plastic zip lock, inside a dvd case or in big seed in those black cylinder cases that hold stuff for pictures.

**LowKey** · 07-09-2010, 11:21 PM

From the USDA site:

APHIS Import requirements depend on both the product and the country of origin. Plants and plant materials usually must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issued by an official of the exporting country. Livestock and poultry must be accompanied by a health certificate, also issued by an official of the exporting country. Animal products, such as meats and hides, are restricted if they originate in countries that have a different disease status than the United States.

APHIS regulates the importation of animals that enter the country through land ports along the borders with Mexico and Canada. Imports of livestock and poultry from other countries must be quarantined at one of four animal import centers in Newburgh, N.Y., Miami, Fla., Los Angeles, Ca., Honolulu, Hawaii

Also, at many ports, APHIS officers inspect and sample seed imported from foreign countries to ensure that it is accurately labeled and free of noxious weeds. APHIS also maintains 14 plant introduction stations, the largest of which is at Miami, Fla., for commercial importation of plant materials. In addition to certifying to the health of agricultural exports, APHIS officials mount a proactive approach to the marketing of U.S. crops and livestock overseas.

and

THE U.S. CUSTOMS SERVICE cooperates with a number of other Federal agencies, and a license or permit from the responsible agency is necessary to import the following products:

alcoholic beverages; animals and animal products; certain drugs; firearms and ammunition; fruits, nuts; meat and meat products; milk, dairy, and cheese products; plants and plant products; poultry and poultry products; petroleum and petroleum products; trademarked articles; vegetables.

A general discussion of some of these classes of products has been covered, however, it is recommended that before attempting to import any of these products additional research should be under taken with the appropriate agency.

When you enter the United States you cannot be carrying any plants or plant material and a lot of different foods, most specifically meats. Sending seeds through the mail internationally is NOT a good idea.

**Winnie** · 07-10-2010, 03:02 AM

Much as this is a good idea, Lowkey is correct, international shipping is fraught with difficulties and rightly so. They are there to protect your native flora and fauna.
I wouldn't want to import seed unless from a reputable supplier.

**Rick** · 07-10-2010, 10:12 AM

You mail animals?

"What do you think's in the package, Hoss?"
"I don't know but it's growlin'."
"Well stop shaking it then."

**Blasfemo** · 07-10-2010, 07:13 PM

Depends on the animal m8, some reptiles i have sent several times to Spain like Marbled Newt ((Triturus marmoratus) because i had so many at home that i had no problem helping populate some other regions.

Aside that i have sent tarantulas and other spiders and received them also to be honest never gave a damm about any license only transport setup since they are not CIW species but born at home... when you have an egg sack with 200 spiders you will be welcome to get them out to other collectors... who has the time to catch crickets to 200 spiders