AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER JAMES COMER ASKS STATE AUDITOR TO EXAMINE PREVIOUS KDA ADMINISTRATION

Today, Agriculture Commissioner James Comer formally requested that Auditor of Public Accounts Adam Edelen conduct a special examination of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA). Comer, who was sworn in on January 2, has already made some substantial changes to the KDA but said the audit is necessary to restore morale within the Department and to ensure the integrity of its operations.

"The KDA has some talented career employees and my job is to ensure they have a healthy and financially sound place to work," said Commissioner Comer. "The agriculture community needs to have full confidence in this office so together we can all move forward."

Comer and Edelen met this week to discuss details of the examination. The audit will be paid for by the KDA and will cost no more than $15,000.

The Auditor’s office has broad statutory authority to conduct examinations of management and spending. Both Comer and Edelen agree that the audit must be thorough and sweeping.

"The goal here is better government," said Edelen. "To that end, my staff will conduct this examination professionally and efficiently. We will go where the facts take us."

Edelen said his office would report the examination’s findings and recommendations to Commissioner Comer and the public as soon as it is complete.