What does an agricultural inspector do?

What is an Agricultural Inspector?

Agricultural inspectors are the first line of battle against toxic compounds used in the food industry and improper processing procedures that result in low food quality. They indirectly protect the interests of the consumer.

Agricultural inspectors keep agricultural practices in check by making sure they follow state and federal regulations for food safety and public health. They inspect the amount of fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides used in plantations or farms and compare it with what is allowed by authorities.

If a plantation, farm or processing plant is deemed unsafe for public health, agricultural inspectors can recommend the closing of the facility through a detailed report of their findings. This job requires flexibility, physical and mental endurance, and attention to detail.

What does an Agricultural Inspector do?

Agriculture is the branch of economy that feeds the population of a country. Agricultural products provide food, clothing and other materials used in many industries. As agricultural practices have become more advanced, many regulations have been put in place by the government to ensure public health and food safety.

For example, growing grains, fruits and vegetables has become easier through the use of fertilizers. However, their usage is strictly regulated because a high amount of fertilizer may negatively affect the quality of the grown product.

Farmers may also use pesticides and herbicides to prevent unnecessary plants or insects from damaging crops. However, overuse of pesticides may result in toxicity for the plant, which may mean health issues for the final consumer. Agricultural inspectors also evaluate the quality of meat, the health of animals at farms, and the conditions of hygiene and storage.

Agricultural inspectors collect samples and send them to labs where the quality of agricultural products such as grains, vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, or dairy are tested thoroughly. Based upon the findings, agricultural inspectors provide detailed reports that indicate the level of safety of agricultural products. If they see any violations, they write a report with recommendations for fixing the issues.

What is the workplace of an Agricultural Inspector like?

The job requires a combination of 'desk' tasks and field work. Agricultural inspectors must perform on-site inspections of agricultural plantations and facilities. They are directly communicating with agricultural personnel and farm owners, which requires good communication skills.

They report their findings to proper authorities or senior agricultural inspectors through detailed reports. They also collect and direct food samples to specialized laboratories where chemical and microbiological tests are performed.