USDA PROPOSES HIGHER INSPECTION FEES FOR CERTAIN PRODUCE IMPORTS

   The U.S. Department of Agriculture proposes to increase its inspection
and certification fees for certain imports of fresh fruits, vegetables and
other products by at least 14 percent.
   The agency estimates that the increased fees should result in an a $2.5
million increase in revenues each year. That revenue would help to cover
the cost to open new field offices and to buy new computer equipment
through 2001.
   Under the 1946 Agricultural Marketing Act, the USDA can inspect, grade
and certify imports of certain fresh produce and other products such as
Christmas trees and flowers on a fee basis.
   Section 8e of the Agricultural Marketing Act says that whenever the
Secretary of Agriculture issues grade, size, quality or maturity
regulations under domestic marketing orders for certain commodities, the
same applies to comparable imports. Import regulations apply during those
periods when domestic marketing order regulations are in effect.
   There are currently 15 commodities subject to Section 8e import
regulations: avocados, dates, filberts, grapefruit, kiwifruit, limes,
olives (other than Spanish-style green olives), onions, oranges, Irish
potatoes, prunes, raisins, table grapes, tomatoes and walnuts.
   The USDA will accept comments from the industry about the proposed
increased inspection fees until Nov. 19.