Inspection reflections

In a previous post, I mentioned the declining numbers of USDA terminal market inspections and the need for further analysis. I hope to talk to Leanne Skelton about some of those issues later in the week.

Some time ago I was anonymously mailed the FY 2006 year end financial summary of the USDA's Federal-State Inspection Programs for the period Oct. 1, 2005 through Sept. 30 of 2006.


According to that document, the net loss for the federal market program in fiscal year 2006 was $3,675,492, an improvement of sorts from fiscal year 2005, when the federal market program lost $4,683,428.

The budget notes said, "Through the efforts of dedicated staff, continued efficiencies gained through automation, increased efforts in marketing services, and a fee increase, the Federal Market Program is positioned to return to break even financial operating status over the next couple of years."


Net gain (loss) of federal markets in fiscal year 2006
1. Philadelphia $116,913
2. Oklahoma $49,778
3. St. Louis $31,305

TK: and the last three markets:
35. Bronx ($324,549)
36. Chicago ($339,261)
37. Los Angeles ($612,741)


TK: It's tough to play from behind. How can the USDA translate apparently declining numbers of inspections to a break even point, even with gradual fee increases?