Indiana’s agricultural industries are served by some of the nation’s leading regulatory agencies, a few of them found at Purdue University.

As dean of Purdue Agriculture, I oversee the Office of the State Chemist and Seed Commissioner, the Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory, the Indiana Creamery Division and the Indiana State Egg Board.

Because Purdue is a land-grant university, these services provide science-based regulation and education. Our laboratory and testing facilities are among the nation’s best, at a quality-level that few state agencies can provide. These agencies also attract top experts that are national leaders.

And at a time of concern about the state’s fiscal outlook, these agencies, with the exception of the ADDL, operate solely on fees with no state taxpayer dollars. The ADDL is funded by a combination of fees and a state appropriation.

These efforts ensure that Hoosier producers and businesses receive the best protection for their crops, animals and products.

As part of the proposal to establish an Indiana department of agriculture, these functions would stay at Purdue. I appreciate the support that shows in our ability to provide the state with effective, cost-efficient services.

We are working with the new administration to continue to see that agricultural services in Indiana are second to none.

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