The following message was sent to Virginia General Assembly members on March 25, 2009, asking for their support of the Governor's veto of the budget item that would privatize the VDACS Weights & Measures Inspection Program.

Dear Delegate/Senator:

We ask for your support of the Governor’s anticipated veto of Budget Item #98.

We are pleased that indications from Governor Kaine’s office are that he will likely veto the budget item that calls for the privatization of the Weights and Measures Inspection Program currently administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (VDACS).

The General Assembly’s last minute policy decision to privatize the state’s consumer protection program and include it in the budget conference report was done without any discussion with the many impacted industries. Such action did not allow for proper examination of the impacts on commerce in the Commonwealth, on the business interests that fuel our economy, and on the consumers who may lose even more confidence in today’s economic climate.

Within our agribusiness community there are numerous businesses and farmers who use thousands of devices to accurately buy from and sell products to other businesses and consumers. The impact of privatization would be significant.

1. Without a State inspection program, it will be difficult to maintain the same integrity and reliability of commercial transactions. Consumers and businesses may no longer have confidence in the accuracy of the products they purchase. No other States have taken this action.
2. While a fair number of agribusinesses already use private service companies to check their weights and measures devices, this practice is in addition to VDACS inspections which provide an important check on the work of the private sector.
3. There are many unanswered questions related to privatization of the program. Are there sufficient private service companies in Virginia to accommodate the significant increase in required inspections? Are these private businesses reliable, properly trained, and certified?  How would consumer complaints be handled? 
4. The increased cost to agribusinesses, including farmers, could be substantial. Many of the devices are located in rural areas not regularly visited by private service companies. A visit to inspect a single scale is estimated to cost hundreds of dollars recognizing the required travel time, equipment, and expertise for specialized devices.
5. The U. S. Department of Agriculture requires that scales for the export of grain have a VDACS inspection. Private sector inspectors are not accepted.

The Virginia Agribusiness Council is willing to participate in a study by VDACS to fully discuss future program funding and whether the private sector can be utilized.

We ask you to uphold the Governor’s anticipated veto of Budget Item #98. We look forward to hearing that you will support this action. Please contact us if you need further information. Thank you.

(Additional information: “Calculate the Benefits During Weights & Measures Week, March 1-7” Press Release)

Sincerely,

Donna Pugh Johnson, President