House approves U.S. Grain Standards Act reauthorization
The National Grain and Feed Association applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passing H.R. 4550, legislation to reauthorize the U.S. Grain Standards Act, which underpins the nation’s official grain inspection and weighing system.
“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 NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert on Sept. 8. “We thank Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson (R-PA) and Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN)—as well as Subcommittee Chairman Austin Scott (R-GA) and Ranking Member Sharice Davids (D-KS)—for their continued leadership and bipartisan commitment to advancing this bill that benefits the entire agriculture supply chain.”
The legislation reauthorizes critical inspection and weighing services scheduled to expire Sept. 30. It also incorporates several NGFA-backed provisions to enhance efficiency and transparency at the Federal Grain Inspection Service, including measures to promote the use of new technology.
Additionally, H.R. 4550 modifies 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 said. “We now urge the Senate to act swiftly so this important legislation can be sent to President Trump for signature.”
NGFA testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee in July to outline industry priorities for USGSA reauthorization.
The NGFA, established in 1896, consists of grain, feed, processing, exporting and other grain-related companies that operate facilities handling U.S. grains and oilseeds. Its membership includes grain elevators; feed and feed ingredient manufacturers; biofuels companies; grain and oilseed processors and millers; exporters; livestock and poultry integrators; and associated firms that provide goods and services to the nation’s grain, feed and processing industry. The NGFA consists of 24 affiliated state and regional Grain and Feed Associations.
