House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson (PA-15) issued the following statement after House passage of H.R. 4550, reauthorizing the U.S. Grain Standards Act through FY2023:
"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. I urge the Senate to act quickly so we can get this important bill to the President’s desk."
Background:
The United States Grain Standards Act, first enacted in 1916, is the statutory foundation for the nation's grain inspection and grading system. The Act authorizes USDA's Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) to establish official marketing standards for grains and oilseeds and oversee official inspection and weighing services.
Key Functions:
Uniform Standards: Establishes consistent grading standards for corn, wheat, soybeans, sorghum, barley, oats, canola, and other grains.
Quality Assurance: Defines measurable quality attributes (test weight, damage, foreign material) used to assign official grades.
Trust & Transparency: Provides official certificates of grade and weight through licensed personnel to ensure market integrity.
The system operates on user fees for inspection services, with congressional appropriations supporting regulatory activities like standards development and compliance enforcement.
