The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing revisions to regulations that govern the inspection and certification of fresh fruits, vegetables and other products.

“These proposed changes include a per-pound fee structure for certain Section 8e import inspections, a minimum fee equivalent to a 2-hour charge computed at the current established hourly rate, whichever is greater, and a 50 percent reduction to the sublot fee,” according to a USDA press release.

Under the proposed rule, customers with loads currently subject to additional sublot fees would see a 50 percent reduction in these costs.

If Western Growers members have specific comments or questions they’d like to discuss, please reach out to Bryan Nickerson, Commodity & Supply Chain Services Director, by email at [email protected], or by phone at 949.885.4808.

The proposed rule was published to the Federal Register on June 20, 2024. All comments must be submitted by Aug. 19, 2024. Comments can be submitted online here, faxed to (540) 361-1199 or mailed to the USDA, Specialty Crops Inspection Division, 100 Riverside Parkway, Suite 101, Fredericksburg, VA 22406.