World Metrology Day and the food system recognized on May 20

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) recognizes World Metrology Day designated as May 20. Metrology is the science of measurement, and it is integral to ensuring equity in measurement, as well as commerce based on measurement, around the world.

“We are often met with surprise that the NDA includes the Division of Measurement Standards and Nevada’s metrology laboratory, but it plays a large role in agriculture and the food supply chain,” said NDA Division of Measurement Standards Administrator Bill Striejewske.

This year, World Metrology Day recognizes the connection between metrology and supporting a global food system.

From grocery store scales and gas pumps, to livestock scales and truck scales, the NDA inspects all measurement devices used to sell items by mass or volume. The standardized test measures and weights used to ensure scales and other measurement devices are reading accurate amounts are certified by the NDA metrology lab, ensuring that a 1 kilogram standardized weight meets the same weight designation as the international standard in Versailles, France, and around the world. This protects consumers and businesses, ensuring that quantities paid for match what is received.

Learn more about metrology and how the NDA Division of Measurement Standards protects consumers and businesses at agri.nv.gov/CE.

About the Nevada Department of Agriculture

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) mission is to preserve, protect and promote Nevada’s agriculture. The department has 225 dedicated employees providing services in its five divisions, Administrative Services, Animal Industry, Measurement Standards, Food and Nutrition, and Plant Health and Compliance. The department’s $288 million budget facilitates regulatory and administrative work in agriculture and food manufacturing industries, protecting public and environmental health and worker safety, and providing food distribution and oversight for the United States Department of Agriculture’s school and community nutrition programs.

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