Agriculture department seeks fee increases for plant nursery inspections after two decades without adjustment
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Summary
Senate Bill 264 would raise per‑acre inspection fees for nursery producers and the maximum fee cap to support the Plant Disease Control, Nursery Inspection, Certification and Licensing program; MDA said fees have not been adjusted since 2004 and the increase would be incremental to sustain inspections and staff retention.
Secretary Kevin Attucks and Rachel Jones told the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee that Senate Bill 264 would raise inspection fees for plant nurseries to sustain a state program that has operated on fees set in 2004.
"These fees haven't been raised in over 20 years," Rachel Jones said, and the Plant Protection and Weed Management section needs higher revenues to maintain inspection capacity, compensate staff, and retain trained inspectors who are in demand by federal agencies and others. Jones described proposed incremental increases: for production areas of one acre or less a $10 increase (from $10 to $20); for one to five acres a $10 increase (to $30); five to ten acres a $10 increase (to $40); and for larger operations a change from $3 to $5 per acre (or part of an acre) with a new maximum of $1,500 (previously $1,000).
During questioning, Senators noted sensitivity around cost increases and competing cost‑of‑doing‑business pressures. Secretary Attucks said the program is fully fee‑supported (special funds) and not covered by general funds; MDA said the increases are intended to modestly expand inspection capacity and address market competition for trained personnel.
MDA asked for a favorable report; one in‑person unfavorable witness listed in the sign‑up did not appear and the transcript records no committee vote that day.