USDA sets double-digit increase for inspection fee
After ten years with no fee increases, the cost for a U.S. Department of Agriculture voluntary fresh produce inspection will increase by double-digit percentages for the second year in a row.
Quality and condition inspections for whole produce lots will increase to $191 per lot on Oct. 1, up 15% from the current rate, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service said in a May 8 Federal Register notice. Last year, the USDA raised inspection rates by 10%, according to the notice.
The USDA said the 2016 inspection fee increase wasn’t enough to cover costs — a requirement for the voluntary user-fee funded program.
“The adjustment (last year) lessened a significant budget shortfall, but did not result in full cost recovery for the program,” according to a news release.
A spokesman for the USDA was not immediately available for comment.
