> We need lots more research. We need a national testing lab that is really 
> reponsive and of high caliber- a lab that will do pesticide testing , and 
> high quality parasite testing, at nominal cost. Sorry if I step on some 
> toes with this opinion, but our free USDA testing lab is a disgrace.

I am also sure that the USDA is interested in constructive criticism, but 
will have difficulty responding to a general term like "disgraceful".  I am 
also sure there must be some aspects which are not disgraceful.

Could you elaborate on what features of the current service you would like 
to see improved, seeing as I assume you have some experience with the 
service.  A suggestion as to a fee that would seem nominal to you would be 
interesting, too.

I should add that there are independent services which provide some analysis 
for a fee, which I assume covers the cost and hopefully a small profit, and 
the question of whether government should compete with private initiative is 
always thorny. 

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