The National Grain and Feed Association urged senators Tuesday to move quickly on reauthorizing the U.S. Grain Standards Act, emphasizing the need to modernize the nation’s grain inspection system.
Nick Friant, director of raw material quality at Cargill and chairman of NGFA’s Grain Grades and Weights Committee, testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee, echoing remarks he delivered to House lawmakers in June.
“The U.S. grain inspection system has long set a global benchmark for quality and reliability,” Friant said. “However, as the international grain market becomes increasingly competitive, our inspection and grading systems must evolve accordingly.”
NGFA, representing approximately 700 grain, feed and processing companies, outlined key priorities including investments in modern grain grading technologies and clarification of emergency waiver authorities to ensure export continuity during disruptions.
The House Agriculture Committee approved a bipartisan reauthorization package on July 22. NGFA officials are pushing for Senate action before the current authorization expires.
