Search Results for keywords:"United States Grain Standards Act"

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture has issued a final rule confirming fee changes for official grain inspection and weighing services provided by the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS). Originally set in an interim rule from June 2024, these fee revisions came into effect in July 2024 and have been finalized without changes. The fees aim to cover costs for mandatory services under the United States Grain Standards Act, which requires annual fee adjustments and maintaining a financial reserve. Despite acknowledging comments on the potential impact of these fees on grain marketing, AMS noted that the changes are necessary for the continued operation of inspection services, ultimately benefiting all participants by reflecting current service costs.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has announced the 2021 fee schedule for the official inspection and weighing of grain, required by the United States Grain Standards Act. The schedule adjusts fees based on the annual evaluation of operational costs and reserve funds. As the operating reserve was short of the target, all Schedule A service fees increased by 5% for 2021. Information on these fees is available on the agency's public website.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture is implementing a new rule to establish standardized formulas for calculating user fees for services provided by the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS). The changes aim to help FGIS charge fees that cover the costs of these services and maintain a reserve fund for operations, as required by law. The rule also includes some corrections and updates to existing regulations without imposing new requirements. These new fee regulations will ensure greater transparency and predictability for businesses using FGIS services.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is asking the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve an extension of their current information collection regarding the United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA) and the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (AMA). This extension, required by the Paperwork Reduction Act, ensures the continued collection and recordkeeping needed for inspecting and certifying various agricultural products. The public is invited to comment on the necessity and efficiency of this information collection before February 21, 2025. The collection helps maintain quality standards in agricultural trade and affects grain producers, buyers, sellers, and inspection agencies.

The United States Grain Standards Act designations for the Ohio Valley Grain Inspection, Inc. and the North Dakota Grain Inspection Service, Inc. are set to end soon, and the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is inviting applications from private entities or state agencies interested in taking over these roles. Applicants must submit their applications and comments during specified periods in 2025. AMS is also seeking feedback on the performance of the current agencies and has updated the area description for Fargo, North Dakota, following the North Dakota Grain Inspection Service's acquisition of Detroit Grain Inspection Service, Inc.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has announced proposed changes to the boundaries of areas where official service providers perform inspections and weighing services for grains under the United States Grain Standards Act. These updates are required because of changes to landmarks and infrastructures once used to mark these boundaries. The proposal aims to ensure that grain inspection services are delivered efficiently and accurately. AMS invites the public to comment on these proposals until February 12, 2025.