An Audit Report on Performance Measures at the Department of Agriculture
July 2007
Report Number 07-038
Overall Conclusion
The Department of Agriculture (Department) reported reliable results for 60 percent (three of five) of the fiscal year 2006 key performance measures audited. A result is considered reliable if it is certified or certified with qualification.
Specifically:
- Three key performance measures--Percent of Texas Farmers, Ranchers, and Agribusinesses Inspected Found to Be in Full Compliance with Pesticide Laws; Number of Inspections to Verify Compliance for Organic or Other Crop Production Certification Programs; and Percent of School Districts in Compliance with Nutrition Regulations--were certified with qualification because the Department's controls over the entry and release of data into the Automated Budget and Evaluation System of Texas (ABEST) were weak and could not ensure continued accuracy.
- One key performance measure--Number of Pounds of Fruits, Vegetables, Peanuts and Nuts Inspected (In Billions)--was inaccurate. Incorrect data was entered into ABEST.
- Factors prevented certification of one key performance measure: Percent of Total Weights and Measures Inspections Conducted That Are Found to Be in Full Compliance with State and Federal Standards. The total number of inspections that the Department used to calculate the performance measure could not be confirmed to allow auditors to test for accuracy.
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