Regulation proposed to protect ginseng in Va.

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — State agriculture officials are proposing a regulation aimed at ensuring the survival of wild ginseng in Virginia.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services developed the regulation to address concerns voiced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The federal agency notified the state in 2010 that current practices aren't adequate to ensure ginseng's survival in Virginia.

Under the proposal, only ginseng that's at least 5 years old could be harvested. An annual harvest season would run from Sept. 1 through Dec. 31. Harvesters would be required to plant ginseng fruit at the site where the plants are taken.

The Virginia Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services will hold a public hearing on the proposed regulation March 28 in Richmond.