This bill reauthorizes the U.S. Grain Standards Act (USGSA) through FY2030 and modifies authorities under the act.
Under the USGSA, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) establishes official marketing or quality standards for certain grains (e.g., corn, soybeans, and wheat), and the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) conducts and supervises official grain inspections and weighing services. Most provisions of the act are permanently authorized; however, several expire on September 30, 2025.
Specifically, the bill reauthorizes through FY2030
FGIS's authority to collect fees for required federal supervision of inspections and weighing services;
the 30% cap on administrative and supervisory costs which may be incurred for services performed, with exceptions;
standardization and compliance activities and monitoring of foreign ports; and
the Grain Inspection Advisory Committee.
The costs associated with equipment and the development of technology are excluded from the current 30% cap for administrative and supervisory costs for services.
The bill also includes a technical change that specifies fees are part of a trust fund, instead of the current fund.
Under the bill, USDA may inspect domestic non-export grain that is loaded or unloaded at an export port, as needed.
Further, USDA must prioritize the adoption of improved grain grading technology to provide for efficient, accurate, and consistent grading of grain.
Additional revisions include
allowing USDA to work in cooperation with official agencies in a continuing research program,
expanding reporting requirements, and
allowing an advisory committee member to serve until a new member is appointed.
