Inspection trends

I had recently requested - and received - some data about USDA Fresh Products Branch inspections from Jimmie Turner, a spokesman at the agency. I will have the chance to take a closer look at that document - and others - that may help provide perspective on the financial standing of the Fresh Products Branch and what that means to the industry. Bottom line, the FPB faces some fiscal challenges in the years ahead, and current financial reserves are estimated at the end of fiscal year 2007 at $10.6 million, or about 6.3 months of operating revenue. Net losses for the FPB federal market program in fiscal year 2007 were estimated at $4.2 million, up from $3.6 million in red ink reported in fiscal year 2006. Hopefully I will get a chance to visit with Bob Keeney, Leanne Skelton and others about their strategic vision for FPB going forward.
This may be addressed at the next USDA Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee meeting, which is slated for Jan. 14-15, according to Turner.