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US FWS: Wild and Woods-Grown Ginseng Roots Under 5 Years Old Declared Ineligible for Export

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has notified the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) that wild and woods-grown ginseng roots less than 5 years old will not be eligible for export because of concerns about ginseng sustainability and over-harvesting. VDACS, the state agency responsible for certifying ginseng , maintains that Virginia inspectors will not certify shipments of ginseng that include roots less than 5 years old. USFWS officials believe that this age restriction will help safeguard the long-term conservation of ginseng . The measure allows the ginseng plant to reach reproductive age, produce seeds and generate a replacement plant prior to harvest, which improves the long-term survival of the species. The Virginia ginseng harvest season for 1999 begins August 15 and continues through December 31. Trends identified by the USFWS indicate that there has been a harvest decline in the major ginseng producing states for the past 20 years. USFWS also notes that 50% of the states reported a decrease in the amount harvested between 1997 and 1998, while other states have reported statistically significant declines during the 1990's. Virginia statistics reveal a similar trend with 12,099 pounds of ginseng harvested in 1996, 6,759 pounds harvested in 1997 and only 4,569 pounds of ginseng in 1998. The USFWS will monitor the status of wild ginseng throughout the year and will consider modifying the restriction as needed for the 2000 harvest season. For more information regarding the ginseng program in Virginia contact the Office of Plant and Pest Services at 804.786.3515. BY: M2 Presswire 1999.08.26

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