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Fruit and Vegetable Inspection

The Fruit and Vegetable (F&V) Inspection Program offers an unbiased, third-party inspection service for the produce industry in Michigan and throughout the United States. F&V inspections are based on both USDA and MDARD standards, processor specifications, and industry requests. USDA standards are used nationwide as a basis for purchase and resolving disputes. Except for federal programs and exports, the program is voluntary. All F&V staff are required to be licensed by USDA on each commodity they inspect.

Market Inspections

Inspections are conducted on incoming produce entering through channels of trade from anywhere in the world. Market inspections protect the buyer, broker, and consumer from receiving sub-standard produce. Michigan's produce buyers, brokers and receivers also use market inspections to resolve court disputes. This type of inspection is vital for the success of Michigan's produce industry.

To request a market inspection/audit, please fill out the Market Inspection Request Form and email to MDARD-FVInspection@Michigan.gov

Process Inspections

Produce inspection is based upon USDA standards and processor specifications. Process inspections protect Michigan farmers by providing them with an unbiased, third-party inspection on the produce they deliver to the process plant. Process inspection is voluntary.

To request a process/shipping point inspection/audit, please fill out the Shipping Point Inspection Request Form and email to MDARD-FVInspection@Michigan.gov

Good Agricultural Practices and Good Handling Practices

The Good Agricultural Practices / Good Handling Practices (GAP/GHP) program provides uniformity through a national auditing program for the fresh produce industry, verifying good agricultural and handling practices. It is an independent, third-party, audit-based service provided by licensed GAP/GHP inspectors who have successfully completed the GAP/GHP training class and have participated in a minimum of three audits, including two as the lead auditor. This type of audit is required by some purchasers of produce.

To request an audit, please fill out the USDA GAP/GHP - Request for Audit Services Form and email to MDARD-FVInspection@Michigan.gov. If you did not participate in the USDA GAP/GHP Audit Program in the last year, download and complete the USDA GAP/GHP - Agreement for Participation in Audit Verification Programs Form as well.

Fee Schedule

$115.00 per hour inspection, plus round-trip travel.

Helpful USDA Links

Contact

For additional information regarding the Fruit & Vegetable Inspection Program, contact the Program Manager Patricia Bizoukas at 517-512-3603 or via email at BizoukasP@Michigan.gov.