CDsSister said:
As has been mentioned there are so many laws and legal issues (as well as health & welfare of the populations and ecosystems of multiple countries) in the sharing of seeds/plants/even prizes across borders it is, at this time, not possible to easily overcome. If you are aware of solutions I think we would all love to hear the ideas.

I think the point here is that ATP/NGA cannot sanction the seed trading between countries because of legal issues. But individuals within the community can make their own trades in private. I have done so with four people: 1 in Canada, and 3 in CONUS with no problems.

Oops! Forget to relate that I live outside of the CONUS.

JonnaSudenius said:

Your reply is another 'not feeling welcome' to foreigners.

That is entirely unfair. You would have Dave encourage the breaking of laws to make you feel welcome? I do not understand that logic.

I would be deeply saddened if any or all international members leave the site. I understand all of your standings and views. @glengarry23 was one of my first contacts on this site, and I greatly enjoy hearing about climate, weather, hardiness zone, native plants, etc. from any and all countries outside of the states. You all have contributed more than your fair share to the site, and without your knowledge and input, we would be lacking certain expertise. The members, aka your friends, definitely do not want to see you go.

JonnaSudenius said:

When you ever travel to Belgium (or the Netherlands or Germany which are very close) , you are more than welcome to my home and garden. I have a guest room where you can stay for free and I would love to have you as my guest.

That is so very generous of you and a very kind gesture, Jonna @JonnaSudenius. This is why gardeners are my favorite people! You don't even know me and yet you extend your home to me. You just never know (and neither do I) when I might be in Europe again! But if you leave, how ever would I contact you??

I may be mistaken, but I think private trades or imports/exports are illegal in many countries - not just commercial transactions. I know all are just thinking of their gardening interests, but customs officials have no sympathy or empathy.

..it happens! So if customs are diligent, then they will confiscate the items. There is so much more happening in the world that is so life threatening like terrorism, mass murder, child abuse, parent abuse, pet abuse, genocide, religion-related mass murder that illegal transfer of plants is so minor to what we are all suffering right now. I guess such is life!

Again, I hope our international friends will stick around for a while.

Jonna, your contribuions to the site have been enormous. I never would have learned how to start seeds in vermiculite if not for your expertise and sharing. And offspring of your Corydalis sempervirens are growing in my yard. (from a trade you and I made a few years ago).

Your friends here do value you and I hope you will reconsider. At least give it a chance for a while. See what develops.

Karen

Hopefully the subject has been thoroughly discussed, so I'm going to go ahead and lock this thread at this time.

If anybody still has questions about the NGA and our merging it with ATP, please feel free to start a new thread with your questions in this same forum.