International Produce Training

The state of New York is facing real budget problems, just like practically every other state in the country.  But what makes New York unique is the governor has now targeted the USDA Federal State Inspection program, run by New York’s Department of Agriculture and Markets Farm Products Grading Section.  In  Governor Patterson’s executive budget released a few days ago he states:

• Discontinue Agriculture and Markets Farm Products Grading. Farm products wholesalers would work directly with existing private entities to grade products for quality and potential price, rather than use State resources. The State currently provides the service for a nominal fee, which is now inadequate to support Department expenses. Existing Federal funding for a portion of the program would continue. (2010-11 Savings: $426,000; 2011-12 Savings: $1.3 million)

I have no idea if this portion of his budget will actually pass the legislature, but it none the less has placed a bulls eye on the fresh products inspection program in New York.  Will the inspection program be eliminated, replaced, down-sized or left alone, is any one’s guess right now.

I have personal first hand knowledge of the New York program, as I began my inspection career with them in 1976.  I know many if not all of the inspectors and supervisors.  For those not familiar with the program ramifications of a closure, the state of New York supplies fruit and vegetable inspectors to the wholesalers in Rochester, Syracuse, Albany…..and they recently assumed the inspection duties of Buffalo when the USDA eliminated their service to those applicants.

They also perform shipping point inspections, which could have a detrimental affect on the marketing of NY state produce.  Apples being shipped out of the country have to undergo a manadatory inspection, to meet the requirements of the Apple Export Act.  Without this inspection the apples do not leave the U.S.   Potato shippers also have to undergo a mandatory inspection, for Canada to receive them.   If a grower would like to participate in the USDA’s Commodity Procurement Program, they too have to receive a mandatory USDA/Federal State inspection.

As the governor states, they will utilize a third party inspection company (existing private entities) to handle the inspection requests.  Well, that would mean the USDA would have to recognize an independent third party as a licensed entity to handle their inspections.  Currently Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture utilizes a third party.  Aside from 3 state supervisors, the entire inspection workforce is made up of employees from the Fruit andVegetable Inspection Association of Pennsylvania…..and yes, the USDA does recognize them as USDA federal/state licensees.

Could New York do the same?  The short answer is “yes”, but I have a feeling the fruit and vegetable industry of New York will have a  lot to say about this proposed change.  I will say this, many other state programs are watching closely what happens in New York.