<p> The USDA has posted its Environmental Assessment (EA) and Plant Pest Risk Assessment (PPRA) for Arctic® Golden and Arctic® Granny apples, two non-browning varieties that have been produced through biotechnology by Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc. (OSF).<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Arctic apples are expected to be granted U.S. deregulation early in 2014, which means Arctic apple varieties can be grown just like any other apple tree, according to a press release. These fruits are just like any other apple varieties until the fruit is bruised, bitten, or cut, according to ten years of real-world field trial experience and the rigorous regulatory process. This will allow OSF and its grower partners to begin the process of growing fruit for consumers.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">“We’re now closer than ever to bringing consumers and producers safe, value-added Arctic apples, providing greater convenience and reducing food waste,” says Neal Carter, an orchardist in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. “This is especially rewarding for our small company because of the long, challenging road toward deregulation. We have had Arctic apples planted in field trials for over a decade now.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">The OSF is currently seeking U.S. partners to collaborate on the commercial development of Arctic apples. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is now seeking public comments on the EA and PPRA for Arctic apples. Citizens are encouraged to submit their input on this regulatory assessment of these two Arctic apple varieties.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href=" http://www.arcticapples.com" target="_new"> Okanagan Specialty Fruits </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href=" https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2013/11/08/2013-26792/okanagan-specialty-fruits-inc-availability-of-plant-pest-risk-assessment-and-environmental" target="_new"> Arctic Apple Comment Opportunity </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
