WASHINGTON, DC – In a rare feat, Congress passed legislation Wednesday that would otherwise expire next week (December 11, 2020). By voice vote, the House of Representatives passed a five-year extension of the U.S. Grains Standards Act. The Grain Standards Act serves a critical role in exporting grains and oilseeds, the National Association of Wheat Growers explains, with about 50 percent of the domestic crop destined for export each year. Originally approved 104 years ago (1916), the Act establishes the official marketing standards for barley, canola, corn, flaxseed, oats, rye, sorghum, soybeans, sunflower seed, triticale, wheat, and mixed grain. The grain inspection system assures overseas buyers that an independent agency has certified shipments to their contracted specifications and in 2019 more than half of the Federal Grain Inspection Service’s (FGIS) budget came from user-fees ($32 million) and the remainder from Congress ($20 million). The Senate (Roberts-Stabenow) bill passed by the House, reauthorizes the Act until September 30, 2025, and will become law upon President Trump’s signature, which is expected next week.
(SOURCE: All Ag News)