The case was brought on February 28 by Spanish growers and US importers against the US plant health authority Aphis for its ban on all imports of Spanish clementines since December 5, 2001.
The plaintiffs in the case are calling on the court to grant a preliminary injunction that would require the USDA to permit limited distribution of Spanish clems subject to conditions. These conditions have already been outlined in a so-called work plan established for shipment of imported clems.
According to reports on the USDA website, the plaintiffs have taken this action in order to encourage the US authorities to set up a timetable for the resumption of imports.
The Spanish interests involved in the case have asked for a decision by April 15. It is likely that this date has been set as it would give growers sufficient time to prepare the 2002 crop while it is still on the trees in readiness for export in the 2002-03 season.
