Value of U.S. imports from Mexico of greenhouse and nursery products, 1982-1988. Mexico is a major source of unrooted cuttings, primarily for the foliage plant industry. Air layers of Ficus be washed before they are allowed across the border. However, there must be a written agreement between the USDA-PPQ and the plant protection agency of the country of origin. Growers must also agree to comply with stringent cultural practices outlined in the Q37 regulations.
Seed is another major horticultural export from Mexico.
These seed are usually collected from the wild, accumulated, cleaned, processed, and shipped to brokers for distribution. Dracena marginata, D. fragrans, D. marginata, and yucca are among the most widely exported sources of cane in Mexico. Most of this cane is brokered into the U.S., but some is sold into Europe as well. Under these regulations length is limited to 5 feet or less. The proposed free trade agreement has created a great deal of market speculation among U.S. producers.