House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) applauded the House passage of H.R. 4550, legislation 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,” said Thompson.
First enacted in 1916, the U.S. Grain Standards Act established the foundation of the nation’s grain inspection and grading system. The law authorizes USDA’s Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) to create and enforce official marketing standards for grains and oilseeds while providing oversight of inspection and weighing services.
The Act ensures uniform standards across commodities such as corn, wheat, soybeans, sorghum, barley, oats, and canola. It defines measurable quality attributes like test weight, foreign material, and damage, which are used to assign official grades. These standards build trust and transparency by issuing official grade and weight certificates through licensed inspectors, supporting fair trade in domestic and international markets.
The system operates primarily through user fees collected for inspection services, while congressional appropriations fund regulatory activities such as compliance enforcement and standards development.
