The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has detailed the updated fee rates for its 2024/2025 voluntary grading, inspection, certification, auditing, and laboratory services. This adjustment encompasses a range of agricultural commodities, notably fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops.
The revision in fee rates is attributed to both direct and indirect costs associated with the provision of these services. Direct costs encompass salaries, employee benefits, and potentially travel and certain operational expenses. Meanwhile, indirect costs or overheads cover the expenses related to Program and Agency activities that support service delivery to the industry. The established formula for rate calculation also factors in operating reserve adjustments. These amended rates are scheduled to be effective from October 1, 2024, as announced in a Federal Register Notice.
Source: wga.com