International Succulent Introductions

Dear ISI customer:

It is with great regret that I announce the indefinite suspension of all ISI exports to the EU.

It was not until the final phase of preparing the first shipment of 2006 orders that I was informed of the new, stringent EU regulations governing the issue of phytosanitary certificates for export from the US. These regulations for pest monitoring and exclusion mandate weekly inspections by authorized agricultural inspectors for nine weeks prior to export. While such involved procedures may be feasible for major agricultural exporters as a necessary cost of doing business, they are beyond the means of a small export operation like the ISI.

The ISI program has been hampered over the years by increasing international governmental regulations (e.g., CITES). These hurdles impede the Huntington’s missions of plant conservation and botanical education. This has also been a source of personal disappointment as I have passionately pursued those missions.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all ISI customers for your support and interest over the years. Special thanks are due to Harry Mays who has capably and energetically represented the ISI in Europe for the past several years.

As international plant exchanges become more complicated, I hope that this will not dampen our mutual interest in and enjoyment of succulent plants and the friendships these pursuits have nurtured.

Sincerely,

Curator of Desert Collections

Huntington Botanical Gardens