By Jessica Domel
Multimedia Reporter

A bill that would reauthorize the U.S. Grain Standards Act, which provides procedures for grain inspections and weighing, cleared a key hurdle this week.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 4550, the U.S. Grain Standards Reauthorization Act, Monday afternoon.

“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,” U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) said. “I urge the Senate to act quickly so we can get this important bill to the president’s desk.”

The U.S. Grain Standards Act allows the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to establish official marketing or quality standards for barley, canola, corn, flaxseed, mixed grain, oats, rye, sorghum, soybeans, sunflower seed, wheat and triticale.

“The bill reauthorized key USDA authorities for the Grain Inspection and Grading System and clarifies existing laws,” Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS), ranking member of the U.S. House Ag subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management and Credit, said on the House floor. “Reauthorizing the U.S. Grain Standards Act is critical for farmers and for the rest of the agricultural supply chain. The inspections provided by the Federal Grain Inspection Service define and classify grains, as well as assign grades to specify weight and quality requirements. These inspections provide a gold standard assurance backed by the U.S. federal government to both grain buyers and grain sellers.”

While much of the act is permanently authorized, such as the mandatory inspection and weighing of exported grain, other key provisions will expire at the end of September unless Congress passes the reauthorization act.

“A lapse in authorization would disrupt the current grain inspection and weighing process, cost the farm economy more than $70 million a day and create serious consequences for American family farms, our supply chain and our international trading partners,” Thompson said. “These disruptions are entirely avoidable. We are doing our farmers and export partners a disservice if we don’t do our jobs and get this critical piece of legislation across the finish line.”

The expiring provisions authorize annual appropriations for standard development and maintenance, provide the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with authority to charge fees for the supervision of inspections and weighing, apply an administrative/supervisory cost cap and authorize an advisory committee.

According to the Congressional Research Service, a lapse in these provisions, depending on its length, might disrupt aspects of the grain inspection and weighing program.

“If we want America to maintain its status as the safest, most abundant grain supply in the world, reauthorization of this act before several of its key provisions expire at the end of September is absolutely essential,” Thompson said on the House floor. “Originally passed in 1916, the United States Grain Standards Act gives the federal government the authority to set official market marketing standards for grains and oil seeds.”

The reauthorization act builds upon previous legislation and makes some improvements to address modern day needs.

“This legislation promotes technological innovation by advancing grain grading tools to improve accuracy, efficiency and consistency while giving USDA the flexibility to invest in critical technological upgrades. Annual reports on technological challenges and solutions ensure Congress remains informed and transparency is maintained,” Thompson said. “This bill will improve long-term financial management by allowing user fees to be deposited into interest bearing trust funds. It also grants the secretary authority to permit domestic grain inspection at export ports, facilitating faster, more flexible service where needed.”

The legislation also addresses vacancies on the Grain Inspection Advisory Committee.

“It ensures advisory committee members may continue serving until replacements are appointed, preserving expertise and continuity,” Thompson said.

The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry held a hearing on the reauthorization of the Grain Standards Act in July but has not yet taken action on the legislation.