The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation reauthorizing the U.S. Grain Standards Act, a critical measure that underpins the nation's official grain inspection and weighing system.
The bill, H.R. 4550, reauthorizes inspection and weighing services scheduled to expire Sept. 30 and includes provisions to enhance efficiency and transparency at the Federal Grain Inspection Service.
"This is a must-pass bill for the entire grain value chain. It ensures confidence and continuity in the grain inspection system that facilitates the movement of U.S. grain to domestic and global markets," said National Grain and Feed Association President and CEO Mike Seyfert.
The USGSA, first enacted in 1916, provides the statutory foundation for the nation's grain inspection and grading system. It authorizes FGIS to establish official marketing standards for grains and oilseeds and oversee official inspection and weighing services.
Key provisions in the reauthorization include measures to promote the use of new technology and modifications to the types of activities subject to the annual user fee cap set by Congress, which will expand resources available for official grading and inspection services.
"This bill strengthens the reliability and competitiveness of U.S. grain by promoting modernization and minimizing red tape," Seyfert added.
The legislation received bipartisan support, with Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson (R-Pa.) and Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-Minn.), as well as Subcommittee Chairman Austin Scott (R-Ga.) and Ranking Member Sharice Davids (D-Kan.) championing the bill.
"I'm proud that the House has passed the U.S. Grain Standards Act with strong bipartisan support, a testament to our shared commitment to fair markets and reliable standards for American farmers," Thompson said. "I urge the Senate to act quickly so we can get this important bill to the President's desk."
The bill now heads to the Senate, where NGFA testified in July to outline industry priorities for the reauthorization.
