Colorado’s warm days and cool nights might be an overused cliche, but that’s because it’s true. If the temperature is the reason why our produce is so delicious, that might have to stay Colorado’s (not very well kept) secret. 

What’s certainly not a secret is that Colorado melons, peaches, grapes, potatoes, carrots, lettuce, barley, hay, Proso millet, and so much more are of the highest and safest quality. We know this because our CDA inspectors, who live and work in every region of the state, are dedicated to ensuring the utmost safety and quality of Colorado agriculture. Visit the Inspection & Consumer Services page on CDA’s website to see many of the programs engaged in ensuring top safety standards in our state’s products

The Produce Safety program, for instance, supports farmers who produce food consumed raw - from growing to packing and holding. This program regularly holds educational webinars, sends out critical updates from federal partners, and ensures that facilities and farms meet the high standards necessary for growing healthy food. Most of our inspection teams work closely with all three branches of CDA’s Laboratory Services Division, which in addition to advancing food safety and consumer protection, has launched a new curriculum for food safety and STEM education called “SPARK.” When proper food safety practices are implemented, consumers can feel good knowing Colorado’s food products are nutritious and safe. 

Inspections are crucial for everyone involved in the food industry. CDA inspectors work in multiple divisions, from Plants and Animal Health to Animal Welfare. But they’re also important on the livestock side long before cattle reach processing. The Brand Inspection division, overseen by the Brand Board, has been around since 1867, a decade before Colorado even reached statehood. Coloradans recognized then, just as they recognize now, the critical role brand inspectors play in verifying livestock records and preventing livestock theft. 

The Brand Inspection division is working through a long overdue brand fee and assessment increase proposal. To prevent a budget deficit, the Brand Board proposed an increase in fees to meet the costs of brand inspection. Unlike many other states, the Brand Inspection division is fully funded by inspection fees, operating independent from state funding. Even with an increase, Colorado’s fees will continue to be among the lowest in the United States, while still maintaining the high standards that Coloradans have always known in their brand inspectors.

So this summer, whether you’re eating a warm peach from your local farmers’ market, waiting for cattle to cross a trail in the high country, or picking up dog treats baked by your neighbor, we hope you have many opportunities to enjoy Colorado agriculture and a chance to recognize the quiet work of CDA’s dedicated inspection teams.

Happy Summer!