The Ag Commission voted to adopt a modest increase to the fruit and vegetable inspection fee schedule after a presentation from Brian Pauley, section chief and program manager for the Fruit & Vegetable Inspection program.

Pauley said the program has not increased fees since 2013 and recent state step increases for employees, combined with inflation, required additional revenue to keep services running. The proposed adjustments included raising the size/grade fee from 13.5¢ to 14¢ per 100 weight (about 4%) and increasing the hourly inspector rate from $47 to $49. Contract minimum guarantees and the alternative customer‑assisted inspection (CAPE) audit rate were adjusted by similar small increments.

Stakeholder response: industry representatives attending via CPAC and others told the commission they understood the need and preferred smaller annual increments over a larger single increase. Tara from the industry advisory group said growers appreciate the program and preferred the gradual approach.

Vote: Jeffrey McCullough moved that the commission adopt the fee increase as presented; Dr. Amanda Weaver seconded. The commission approved the motion by voice vote with no opposing votes recorded.

Next steps: Pauley said the program will implement the adjustments, continue to manage staffing and reserve levels, and likely return with future incremental requests if inflation or step increases require further adjustments.