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Timely inspections help produce industry thriveColorado The Colorado Department of Agriculture's Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Service works with the state's produce industry to inspect a variety of products ranging from potatoes and sweet corn to peaches and apples. On time inspections help get Colorado produce to consumers quicker. "When a potato shipper calls for an inspection, it is vital for us to respond quickly," said Tom Lipetzky, Markets Division Director of the Colorado Department of Agriculture. "Delayed inspections result in delayed shipments which can negatively impact a company's bottom line." The goal of the Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Service is to respond within two hours of request for inspections. In fiscal year 2008, the Service responded to 99.9 percent of calls in an hour or less. The Service received a total of 3,556 calls for inspections last year. Of those, 3,402 were responded to within 30 minutes and 149 between 30 minutes and one hour. "We are proud that our inspectors continue to exceed goals and expectations," said Lipetzky. "Their hard work helps Colorado growers ship quality produce across the state, nation and world in a timely manner." The Colorado Department of Agriculture's Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Service works under cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture to perform mandatory and non-mandatory inspections of produce in conjunction with state statute, and upon request. These inspections determine grade, size, and quality on more than 2.1 billion pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables annually. For more information, visit www.coloradoagriculture.com or contact the Colorado Department of Agriculture Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Service at 719-852-4749. 9/29/08 Date: 9/23/08
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