The National Council on Weights and Measures (NCWM) is marking National Weights and Measures Week from March 1 to March 7, 2026. The week commemorates the signing of the first U.S. weights and measures law by President John Adams on March 2, 1799, which established early standards for fairness in commerce.
This year’s theme, “We Measure What Matters,” was introduced by NCWM Chair Kevin Schnepp from the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Division of Measurement Standards. The theme aims to highlight the role that weights and measures professionals play in maintaining equity within an increasingly complex marketplace.
Schnepp recently attended the World Hydrogen Expo in Seoul, South Korea, where he spoke about emerging technologies, energy systems, and international standards. He stated: “One of the most rewarding aspects of this experience was the strong international interest in how NCWM works collaboratively with state and local jurisdictions, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and industry to develop and adopt consensus standards. Korean agencies expressed a genuine eagerness to understand our system—from metrology and type evaluation to device requirements and enforcement. Their respect for the U.S. approach to standards development and marketplace oversight was both clear and appreciated.”
He also reflected on the global influence of weights and measures officials’ work: “Recognized standards are essential to the functioning of local, national, and international commerce,” Schnepp said. “National Weights and Measures Week is our opportunity to highlight why what we do truly matters.”
The week serves as a time to recognize state, county, and local officials who help protect consumers while supporting businesses through fair competition.
NCWM was founded in 1905 as a not-for-profit organization with a mission of ensuring equity and uniform standards in a changing marketplace. The council develops standards that support market integrity.
In Louisiana, the Department of Agriculture and Forestry offers services that include regulatory enforcement for food safety and animal health; promotion of agricultural products; wildfire prevention; forest health programs; environmental sciences; conservation; soil protection; as well as support for farmers, consumers, and industry stakeholders statewide according to its official website. The department operates across agriculture, forestry, animal health, food safety, plant protection, environmental science fields, managing various programs aimed at safeguarding resources throughout Louisiana.
For more information about NCWM or National Weights and Measures Week visit www.ncwm.com/about-ncwm.