The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) voiced strong support for the timely, bipartisan reauthorization of the U.S. Grain Standards Act (USGSA) during testimony before the House Agriculture Committee.
Nick Friant, Director of Raw Material Quality at Cargill and Chairman of NGFA's Grain Grades and Weights Committee, emphasized the Act's crucial role in maintaining America's reputation as a reliable supplier of quality grain.
"We urge Congress to reauthorize the U.S. Grain Standards Act in a timely and bipartisan manner," Friant said. "Doing so will provide certainty to farmers, grain handlers, and international customers who depend on the integrity of the U.S. Official grain inspection system."
Friant outlined two key recommendations for improving the Act:
Modernizing grain grading technology: NGFA supports providing resources for the Federal Grain Inspection Service to develop and validate advanced grading technologies, including enhanced visual imaging and machine learning.
Enhancing emergency waiver authority: The Act should allow for flexibility during natural disasters or service disruptions, with clearer definitions of "emergency" and provisions for temporary waivers.
Additional proposed reforms include improved transparency in user fee calculations and clarifying eligibility for Advisory Committee appointments.
"The U.S. grain inspection system is a foundation of our country's reputation as a reliable agricultural supplier," Friant concluded. "Timely reauthorization of the U.S. Grain Standards Act, combined with the enhancements we've outlined today, will ensure that our inspection system continues to meet the high expectations of U.S. producers and global customers."
