October 19, 2006

USDA ups fees for dairy inspections

The USDA is increasing the hourly fees charged for its voluntary dairy grading and inspection services to cover increases in salary, energy, and programme operation costs.

The new fees would go into effect immediately.

Hourly rates for continuous resident service (work performed by a grader with a regular tour of duty at a dairy production facility) is raised from the current rate of US$57.00 to US$63.00. The hourly rate for nonresident service (work performed by a grader or inspector on an as-needed basis) is raised from the current rate of US$62.00 to US$68.00.

Previous fees have been in effect since 2004.