United States Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2025
United States Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# United States Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2025 — Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill extends federal rules for grain quality and inspection through 2030. Currently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture sets standards for grains like corn, wheat, and soybeans, and inspects them to ensure quality. Several of these inspection authorities are set to expire on September 30, 2025. This bill renews those authorities for five more years, allowing the government to continue inspecting grains, setting quality standards, and collecting fees from grain companies to pay for these inspection services. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects grain producers, grain buyers, and the agricultural industry.
Key provisions include: renewing the Federal Grain Inspection Service's ability to charge fees for inspection and weighing services; maintaining a 30% cap on administrative costs for these services; continuing monitoring of foreign grain ports; and reauthorizing a committee that advises on grain standards. These provisions ensure consistent quality standards for grain sold domestically and internationally, protecting both producers and consumers. **Current Status** The bill has passed the House of Representatives and is awaiting Senate consideration. It was sponsored by Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA).
CRS Official Summary
United States Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2025This 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 FY2030FGIS'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; andthe 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 includeallowing USDA to work in cooperation with official agencies in a continuing research program, expanding reporting requirements, andallowing an advisory committee member to serve until a new member is appointed.
Latest Action
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 263.