Ribes Restrictions

All states below regulate Ribes nigrum black currants either via a ban or permit requirement. In addition...

Delaware requires the customer/importer to obtain a permit for red, white, and pink currants. It prohibits ribes aurium (golden currant) and ribes nigrum (black currants).

Maine bans black currants and prohibits red, white and pink currants as well as gooseberries in: Androscoggin, Cumberland, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Waldo, York and parts of Oxford, Franklin, Somerset, Piscataquis, Penobscot, Aroostook, and Washington. See map.

Massachusetts bans black currants and jostaberries. Red, white and pink currants and gooseberries are permitted in some counties but we are required to request a permit for your order, issued by the Division of Crop & Pest Services ((tel: 617-626-1735/617-626-1801/fax: 617-626-1850). Please verify your county qualifies for a permit. List of municipalities click here.

Michigan requires a permit for all approved black currants. Approved red, white, and pink currants, along with gooseberries also need a permit depending on location. See map at end of document. Please request your permit from MDARD-NurseryCE@michigan.gov and provide us a copy so we can release your order for shipping.

New Hampshire
requires a permit to be applied for by the customer for state approved varieties. No fee.

New Jersey requires the grower of black currants to purchase an annual permit with two annual inspections a year. New Jersey's requirements for red currant and gooseberry stipulate that neither species can be planted in Montague, Sandyston, Walpack and Vernon Townships in Sussex County; West Milford, Ringwood Borough and Wanaque Township in Passaic County, and Jefferson Township in Morris County. contact info

North Carolina prohibits all ribes (currants/gooseberries).

Ohio prohibits al Ribes nigrum L. except "Recognized varieties, produced by the hybridization of Ribes nigrum L. or a variety thereof with a resistant or immune species, known to be immune or highly resistant to the White Pine Blister Rust fungus, (Cronartium ribicola, Fischer) are exempt from the restrictions..." (contains pics and description of WPBR) Resistant varieties of Black currant include Consort, Crusader, Coronet, Lowes Auslese, Polar, Titania, and Willoughby. Red currants and gooseberries are not affected by Ohio law and are legal to plant.

Rhode Island prohibits all Ribes nigrum L. and flowering currants Ribes aureuma and Ribes odoratum Other ribes requires a $50 permit. Rhode Island Contact Info

Virginia regulates black currants.

West Virginia regulates all ribes in certain counties.