I’ll leave no stone unturned as I search for fascinating things that your federal government does. And this morning I’ve found a doozie! Breaking news - you read it here first!

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, a part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has decided to begin issuing permits for the importation of dragon fruit from Vietnam!

Based on the findings of a pest risk analysis, which we made available to the public for review and comment through a previous notice, we believe that the application of one or more designated phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of introducing or disseminating plant pests or noxious weeds via the importation of dragon fruit from Vietnam.

Get ready, America, to enjoy the succulent goodness of Vietnamese dragon fruit!

Actually, I’ve had dragon fruit, and it’s just . . . ok. In fact, it definitely takes a back seat to kiwi. But still! The gustatory delights available to us have expanded at least a little bit thanks to this APHIS decision. Thanks APHIS! Thanks USDA!

APHIS is funded annually by the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. The Senate version for fiscal year 2009 is S. 3289. Its passage would cost the average U.S. family a little over $800. (Follow all the annual spending bills on our FY 2009 Congressional Budget and Spending page.) Here’s what people think of it. Click to vote, comment, learn more, and edit the wiki article on the bill: