CBP-APHIS Joint Agency 

Strategic Plan

2022–2026
Container ships docked at the Port of Savannah at dusk, July 29, 2021.

CBP photo by Jerry Glaser
Foreword .........................................................................................................................3

GOAL 1: Apply Risk-Based Approaches to Identify and Target 

High-Risk Pathways and Align Resources ............................................................5

Objective 1.1 — Maximize Operational Activities Around High-Risk and Emerging Pests ......................... 7

Objective 1.2 — Automate and Expand the Use of Risk-Based Methods throughout U.S. Ports of Entry 

to Facilitate Trade and Focus Resources on High-Risk Commodities and Pathways ........ 7

Objective 1.3 — Optimize Inspection and Modernize Cargo Clearance by Leveraging 

Advanced Electronic Data and Data Systems to Facilitate Safe Trade ........................... 7

Objective 1.4 — Safeguard Against the Entry of Exotic Pests and Diseases and Promote Biosecurity 

in the International Passenger Environment ............................................................... 7

GOAL 2: Enhance Program Management 

and Infrastructure...............................................................................................9

Objective 2.1 — Improve Coordination of Long-Term System Development and Planning 

to Optimize Resource Allocation and Data Quality .................................................... 10

Objective 2.2 — Evaluate AQI Training to Validate Impact and Relevance for Optimum Mission Delivery . 10

Objective 2.3 — Enhance Data Accessibility and Information Exchange between Agencies ................... 11

Objective 2.4 — Modernize the AQI Program in Support of Full Cost Recovery .................................... 11

Objective 2.5 — Augment Operational Capabilities and Support Services at U.S. Land Borders ........... 11

GOAL 3: Strengthen Partnerships and Enhance Outreach Efforts 

with Trade Entities to Advance Compliance....................................................... 13

Objective 3.1 — Unify and Enhance Joint Agency AQI External Communications 

through Standardized Products and Messaging ....................................................... 14

Objective 3.2 — Improve Compliance through Development and Implementation 

of an Industry-Supported Public Outreach Campaign ................................................ 14

Performance Measures ................................................................................................ 15

Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 16

Contents

CBP-APHIS JOINT AGENCY STRATEGIC PLAN 2022–2026 1
A combine harvests a healthy field of grain.

Getty Images

2
Foreword

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the 

U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) work together to 

intercept plant and animal health threats associated with the entry of imported goods and 

international passengers. Together, our actions protect U.S. agriculture and natural resources from harmful 

plant pests and foreign animal diseases, while keeping international trade and travel moving. We pledge to 

do all we can to protect America’s two million farms, which support a $1.1 trillion agricultural and food 

economy and our Nation’s food supply from foreign plant pests and plant and animal diseases. 

Every year, invasive insects and plant diseases cost the United States over $40 billion in lost crop and 

forest production. That figure does not include the significant costs Federal, State, and local government 

agencies; farmers; and industry incur to combat these threats once they become established in the 

environment. Invasive pest and disease incursions can also result in foreign export markets closing to U.S. 

agricultural products. In calendar year 2021, U.S. agricultural exports were worth a record-breaking $177 

billion. APHIS and CBP are on the front lines combating these threats every day through the Agricultural 

Quarantine Inspection (AQI) program. Through our partnership, APHIS and CBP provide the public and 

our stakeholders — producers, food processors, importers, and important supply chain participants — the 

protections they need to ensure a safe and reliable food supply. 

Building upon this successful collaboration, APHIS and CBP have created a new joint strategic plan, which 

will guide the AQI program through 2026. This five-year plan highlights the top priorities and strategic 

goals of the combined APHIS/CBP agricultural mission, which will help us deliver the AQI program 

with maximum efficiency and effectiveness. The plan employs strategies such as risk-based approaches 

to identify and target high-risk pathways and align resources, enhance program management and 

infrastructure, and strengthen partnerships and outreach efforts with our various trade entities. As a result, 

our new plan will not only ensure we are successful in the short term, but it will also contain the guidance 

we need to meet the challenges for years to come. 

This strategic plan outlines how we will jointly accomplish this through the AQI program. Millions of 

people are counting on us to maintain the flow of trade and travel while protecting our Nation’s farms, 

forests, and food supply from foreign pest and disease threats. We won’t let them down. We look forward 

to working with you — our partners, cooperators, and employees — to safeguard U.S. agriculture and 

natural resources. These valuable resources, and those who depend on them for their livelihoods, rely on 

us to fulfill this critical mission.

Matthew Rhoads

Associate Deputy Administrator

Pest Exclusion and Import Programs

Plant Protection and Quarantine

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

John Sagle

Acting Executive Director

Agriculture Programs and Trade Liaison

Office of Field Operations

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

CBP-APHIS JOINT AGENCY STRATEGIC PLAN 2022–2026 3
ettolletruos TemaJy bo tohPP BC

The Bridge of the Americas is the busiest of four border crossings that make up the El Paso port of entry, adjacent to 

Ciudad Juárez, Mexico.

4
GOAL 1:

Apply Risk-Based Approaches 

to Identify and Target High-Risk 

Pathways and Align Resources.

Between 2018 and 2020, 

APHIS and CBP cleared 

an average of 562 million 

tons of agricultural cargo into 

the United States per year at 

over 200 U.S. ports of entry. 

In addition, during that time 

we cleared a yearly average 

of 91.6 million international 

airline passengers arriving in 

the country. It is imperative 

that we maximize the 

effectiveness of our pest 

and disease exclusion 

activities given the sheer 

volume of imports into the 

United States. By focusing 

inspection resources on the 

highest risk pathways and 

cargo, and by optimizing 

targeting and inspection 

technology, we can achieve 

a higher rate of return on 

pest interceptions and 

enforcement actions.

To enable risk-based 

decision making and to 

ensure the 

program’s 

effectiveness, we will 

continue to employ and 

improve data analysis, riskbased approaches, and 

electronic data systems 

to zero in on the true risk 

that requires the most 

resources. The AQI program 

continually evaluates, 

tests, and applies cuttingedge technologies to more 

effectively detect and 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations conducts global observations of air traffic and trade 

activities at the National Targeting Center.

CBP Photo by Glenn Fawcett

CBP-APHIS JOINT AGENCY STRATEGIC PLAN 2022–2026 5
address plant pests and 

diseases arriving in foreign 

shipments and passenger 

baggage. We are also 

refining our ability to use 

the pest interception data 

we collect during U.S. portof-entry inspections to 

better predict and reduce 

pest threats approaching 

our shores. Together, these 

advances strengthen our 

ability to exclude pests, 

focus resources on the 

highest risks, and safeguard 

our nation’s agricultural 

security — all at the 

speed of commerce.

In 2018, APHIS and CBP 

began implementing riskbased sampling, a datadriven way to sample 

imported commodities for 

inspection at U.S. ports of 

entry. Commodities with 

significantly lower pest 

interceptions are eligible 

for reduced inspection 

rates, which means they 

can move more efficiently 

through ports and into 

consumer markets. 

Commodities with high 

pest interception rates are 

subjected to higher rates or 

more intensive inspections. 

This model allows us to 

focus resources where the 

risks are greater. It also 

provides an incentive for 

importers to ship clean, 

compliant commodities. 

Over the next five years, we 

will implement risk-based 

sampling in more ports and 

for more commodities. n

Experts from the APHIS’ Plant Protection and Quarantine and CBP carry out the 

Agricultural Quarantine Inspection program at the nation’s borders and ports of 

entry.

A CBP agriculture specialist inspects a shipment of green chili peppers for 

pests and diseases at the Columbus, New Mexico, port of entry.

CBP Photo by Chad Gerber USDA Photo by R. Anson Eaglin

6 CBP-APHIS JOINT AGENCY STRATEGIC PLAN 2022–2026
Objective 1.1

Maximize operational activities around 

high-risk and emerging pests.

Strategy 1.1.1 

Develop a joint agency mechanism to identify 

high-risk-pests and pathways to inform 

operational priorities. 

Strategy 1.1.2

Assess capabilities to target and intercept 

emerging pests in high-risk pathways through 

joint scenarios or tabletop exercises.

Performance Measure: 

Increased resources focused on high-risk 

activities.

Objective 1.2 

Automate and expand the use of riskbased methods throughout U.S. ports 

of entry to facilitate trade and focus 

resources on high-risk commodities and 

pathways.

Strategy 1.2.1

Expand the scope of Risk Based Sampling by 

adding new commodities and participating port 

locations.

Strategy 1.2.2

Develop automated systems to streamline cargo 

processing based on phytosanitary risk. 

Performance Measure: 

Increased automation and expansion of riskbased methodology.

Objective 1.3 

Optimize inspection and modernize 

cargo clearance by leveraging advanced 

electronic data and data systems to 

facilitate safe trade.

Strategy 1.3.1

Increase use of advanced electronic data 

elements to enhance the inspection process, 

refine targeting capabilities, and improve cargo 

trend analysis.

Performance Measure: 

Reduced processing time for low-risk agricultural 

cargo.

Objective 1.4 

Safeguard against the entry of exotic pest 

and diseases and promote biosecurity in 

the international passenger environment.

Strategy 1.4.1

Optimize international passenger clearance 

methods in managing animal and plant health 

risks. 

Performance Measure: 

Conducted risk assessment of international 

passenger pathways. 

CBP Photo by Eduardo Perez

Flowers to be inspected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agriculture Specialists at the Laredo Port of Entry, Texas.

CBP-APHIS JOINT AGENCY STRATEGIC PLAN 2022–2026 7
APHIS experts inspect imported shipments of propagative plant material at 16 APHIS plant inspection stations across the country.

USDA Photo

8
Successful management 

of the AQI program 

requires long-term vision 

and planning to ensure we 

are making advancements 

in program management 

and infrastructure to 

support the needs of the 

future. By making strategic 

improvements in how we 

do our business, we will be 

more agile in our response 

to new, emerging, and future 

agricultural pest and disease 

risks. To support long-term 

program needs, we need 

to focus on advances in 

electronic data collection 

and other essential 

information technology 

systems, modernizing the 

administration of the AQI 

user fee, and prioritizing 

efforts to manage risks and 

facilitate clearance at U.S. 

land borders.

Close and effective 

collaboration between 

APHIS and CBP is crucial to 

this effort. We will further 

promote this collaboration 

by ensuring our business 

processes are fully 

integrated 

to expedite 

regulatory decision making 

and advancing the One 

U.S. Government approach 

to U.S. border clearance. 

Better program management 

will ensure that all AQI 

costs are recovered through 

user fees, which is a major 

element of this goal. These 

efforts benefit the economic 

interests of U.S. and foreign 

businesses as well as the 

U.S. taxpayer.

APHIS and CBP employees 

are our most valuable 

resource. To develop 

them and set them up for 

success, we will identify 

opportunities for professional 

development. In addition, 

cross-agency collaboration 

will increase information and 

idea sharing and strengthen 

professional relationships. n

GOAL 2:

Enhance Program 

Management and 

Infrastructure

Two Asian longhorned beetle larvae infest split wood. This invasive tree pest is 

a threat to U.S. forests. 

USDA Photo

CBP-APHIS JOINT AGENCY STRATEGIC PLAN 2022–2026 9
USDA Image

CBP Photo

USDA Photo

APHIS’ National Detector Dog 

Training Center trains APHIS and 

CBP canines and their handlers 

to intercept prohibited agricultural 

items at airports and mail and 

express carrier centers.

A CBP agriculture specialist and her canine partner 

inspect a traveler’s carry-on bag at the San Francisco 

International Airport.

Objective 2.1 

Improve coordination of long-term system 

development and planning to optimize 

resource allocation and data quality.

Strategy 2.1.1 

Establish a shared vision for AQI Information 

Technology system integration and a longterm plan for support of quarantine inspection 

business processes.

Strategy 2.1.2 

Improve integration of business processes to 

enhance data quality and support regulatory 

decision making at ports of entry.

Performance Measure: 

Completed outlining system requirements and 

data quality standards.

Objective 2.2 

Evaluate AQI training to validate impact 

and relevance for optimum mission 

delivery.

Strategy 2.2.1 

Review and assess AQI workforce development 

opportunities to establish a new strategic 

framework to support AQI curriculum 

development and delivery.

Strategy 2.2.2 

Increase opportunities for collaboration 

between CBP and APHIS field personnel. 

Performance Measure: 

Completion of a strategic framework 

highlighting developmental opportunities.

10 CBP-APHIS JOINT AGENCY STRATEGIC PLAN 2022–2026
USDA Photo by R. Anson Eaglin

Objective 2.3 

Enhance data accessibility and 

information exchange between agencies. 

Strategy 2.3.1

Establish the data required by both agencies to 

evaluate AQI program performance and analyze 

pest risk.

Strategy 2.3.2 

Modernize data sharing agreements to meet the 

future needs of the AQI program.

Strategy 2.3.3 

Capitalize on advancements in data exchange 

technology to meet joint agency objectives.

Performance Measure: 

Increased data accessibility between agencies.

Objective 2.4 

Modernize AQI program in support of full 

cost recovery. 

Strategy 2.4.1 

Evaluate import trends and pathway risk to 

inform and update AQI User Fee Activity Based 

Cost Model.

Strategy 2.4.2 

Improve and update resource and staffing 

management tools used in the AQI Program to 

support long term program management and 

strategic planning.

Strategy 2.4.3 

Promote efficient and effective fee collection 

and auditing process with a goal to verify 

full cost recovery and agricultural user fee 

compliance.

Performance Measure: 

Developed analyses and implemented program 

improvements to increase percentage of costs 

recovered.

Objective 2.5 

Augment operational capabilities and 

support services at U.S. land borders.

Strategy 2.5.1 

Assess policy and operations to increase 

program efficiencies and identify target areas 

for improvement. 

Strategy 2.5.2 

Advance program improvements to expedite 

clearance of low-risk agricultural cargo at U.S. 

land borders.

Performance Measure: 

Completed operational assessment of U.S. land 

borders.

Trucks await inspection at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection port of entry in Brownsville, TX.

CBP-APHIS JOINT AGENCY STRATEGIC PLAN 2022–2026 11
CBP Photo by Jaime Ruiz

CBP agriculture specialists intercepted 262,237 pounds of prohibited animal products at the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport 

between October–December 2021.

12
The success of the 

AQI program is 

greatly dependent on 

the compliance and 

engagement of our 

stakeholders. Importers, 

brokers, shipping lines, 

and the general public 

all have a responsibility 

for upholding the strict 

phytosanitary standards 

that APHIS and CBP 

enforce. APHIS and CBP 

cannot fully succeed in 

our mission without the 

engagement of our key 

stakeholders. Consistent 

and close stakeholder 

communication 

will always be an 

essential part of our 

mission’s success. 

Our outreach to industry 

and the public will assist 

them in complying with 

our import requirements. 

Those requirements are 

designed to safeguard 

American agricultural 

and natural resources. 

Lack of compliance 

puts those resources — 

and the many livelihoods 

that depend on them 

— at risk. By making 

our requirements 

easily 

accessible 

and under stand able to our 

stakeholders, we not only 

protect agriculture and 

the environment, but we 

also help industry avoid 

penalties, costly delays, 

and the potential for the 

destruction or re-export of 

their imported goods. n

GOAL 3:

Strengthen Partnerships and 

Enhance Outreach Efforts with 

Trade Entities to Advance Compliance

Inspectors from CBP and APHIS’ Plant Protection and Quarantine intercept 

illegal bushmeat in international mail parcels.

USDA Photo by R. Anson Eaglin

CBP-APHIS JOINT AGENCY STRATEGIC PLAN 2022–2026 13
CBP Photo by James Tourtellotte

Objective 3.1

Unify and enhance joint agency AQI 

external communications through 

standardized products and messaging. 

Strategy 3.1.1

Expand and refresh joint agency branded 

outreach materials.

Strategy 3.1.2

Analyze new media platforms for joint agency 

outreach and communications. 

Performance Measure: 

Completion of a unified media analysis and 

collaboration platform.

Objective 3.2 

Improve compliance through development 

and implementation of an industrysupported public outreach campaign.

Strategy 3.2.1 

Prioritize joint agency stakeholder outreach and 

training to improve compliance. 

Performance Measure: 

Implementation of an outreach campaign to 

improve compliance of agricultural regulations.

CBP agriculture specialist processes passengers who have food products in their luggage at the Port of Philadelphia.

14 CBP-APHIS JOINT AGENCY STRATEGIC PLAN 2022–2026
Performance Measures

Objective 1.1 — Maximize operational activities around high-risk and emerging pests.

Performance Measure: Increased resources focused on high-risk activities.

Objective 1.2 — Automate and expand the use of risk-based methods throughout U.S. ports of entry to facilitate 

trade and focus resources on high-risk commodities and pathways.

Performance Measure: Increased automation and expansion of risk-based methodology.

Objective 1.3 — Optimize inspection and modernize cargo clearance by leveraging advanced electronic data and 

data systems to facilitate safe trade.

Performance Measure: Reduced processing time for low-risk agricultural cargo.

Objective 1.4 — Safeguard against the entry of exotic pests and diseases and promote biosecurity in the 

international passenger environment.

Performance Measure: Conducted risk assessment of international passenger pathways. 

Objective 2.1 — Improve coordination of long-term system development and planning to optimize resource 

allocation and data quality.

Performance Measure: Completed outlining system requirements and data quality standards.

Objective 2.2 — Evaluate AQI training to validate impact and relevance for optimum mission delivery.

Performance Measure: Completion of a strategic framework highlighting developmental 

opportunities.

Objective 2.3 — Enhance data accessibility and information exchange between agencies. 

Performance Measure: Increased data accessibility between agencies.

Objective 2.4 — Modernize the AQI program in support of full cost recovery. 

Performance Measure: Developed analyses and implemented program improvements to increase 

percentage of costs recovered.

Objective 2.5 — Augment operational capabilities and support services at U.S. land borders.

Performance Measure: Completed operational assessment of U.S. land borders.

Objective 3.1 — Unify and enhance joint agency AQI external communications through standardized products 

and messaging. 

Performance Measure: Completion of a unified media analysis and collaboration platform.

Objective 3.2 — Improve compliance through development and implementation of an industry-supported public 

outreach campaign.

Performance Measure: Implementation of an outreach campaign to improve compliance of 

agricultural regulations.

GOAL 1: Apply Risk-Based Approaches to Identify and Target 

High-Risk Pathways and Align Resources

GOAL 2: Enhance Program Management and Infrastructure

GOAL 3: Strengthen Partnerships and Enhance Outreach Efforts 

with Trade Entities to Advance Compliance

CBP-APHIS JOINT AGENCY STRATEGIC PLAN 2022–2026 15
Conclusion

America’s two premier 

agencies on agricultural 

protection — CBP and 

APHIS — have developed a new 

strategic plan that addresses 

areas of joint operation where 

additional focus will move 

the Agricultural Quarantine 

Inspection program forward 

in protecting the nation’s 

agriculture, environment, and 

economy. The previous plan 

served APHIS and CBP well for 

the past several years, stopping 

numerous pests from entering the 

United States and saving America’s 

agriculture, natural resources, 

jobs, and the economic wellbeing of the country. This new 

document helps both agencies 

move forward to address the new 

challenges in their joint mission. 

The new CBP-APHIS Joint Agency 

Strategic Plan 2022–2026 has three 

main goals in mind: identify, 

enhance, and strengthen.

It will apply risk-based approaches 

to identify and target high-risk 

pathways and align resources. 

Through a number of new 

initiatives, it will maximize 

operational activities around 

high-risk and emerging pests 

by optimizing and modernizing 

cargo inspection and clearance 

through advanced electronic data 

gathering, among other methods.

It will enhance the program’s 

management and infrastructure 

by improving coordination of 

long-term system development 

and planning to optimize resource 

allocation and data quality. This 

includes establishing a shared 

vision for the Agricultural 

Quarantine Inspection IT system.

Finally, the joint plan strengthens 

partnerships and enhances 

outreach efforts with our various 

trade entities to ensure greater 

compliance.

Several metrics throughout the 

three goals will measure the 

success of each and give both 

agencies opportunities to adjust the 

plan where needed. n

APHIS seized this prohibited imported meat product and put it on hold for destruction to protect U.S. animal health. 

USDA Photo 

16 CBP-APHIS JOINT AGENCY STRATEGIC PLAN 2022–2026
CBP Photo by Glenn Fawcett

A CBP Agriculture Specialist inspects containers of imported goods for invasive insect and plant species at the Port of Baltimore.
Together, 

CBP and APHIS 

safeguard U.S. 

agriculture and natural 

resources from harmful 

plant pests and foreign 

animal diseases while 

keeping international 

trade and travel 

moving. 

CBP Publication No. 2010-0922

September 2022

www.cbp.gov