Senate Approves Grain Standards Reauthorization Act
Act extended for ten years. Senate bill stands in sharp contrast to industry proposal.
Compiled by staff
Published: Sep 26, 2005
The Senate unanimously passed the Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2005. The Senate's plan, introduced by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., and ranking Democrat Tom Harkin, Iowa, extends the Grain Standards Act for ten years which will continue current law consistent with the USDA's proposal for reauthorization.
The Senate bill stands in sharp contrast to an industry proposal allowing private companies to perform vital services in weighing, inspecting and grading of American grain exports.
"The current system of grain inspections works well and gives foreign customers confidence to buy agricultural products from the United States." says Harkin. "It would be a risky proposition to turn our inspection process over to private firms whose business depends on the good favor of the grain companies they are inspecting."
Currently, federal law requires USDA's Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) personnel to weigh, inspect and grade grain for export. The Senate version maintains the FGIS role, while the industry proposal would authorize private companies to take over inspection duties vital to ensuring the accurate weight and quality of U.S. grain exports.
The Grain Standards Act expires Sept. 30. Chambliss and Harkin hope the House of Representatives will act quickly and pass the bill in advance of the expiration.
Permalink: Click here
Tagged: usda
|