ARLINGTON, Va., July 29, 2025 – The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) today continued its push for timely, bipartisan reauthorization of the U.S. Grain Standards Act (USGSA), testifying before the Senate Agriculture Committee on the importance of preserving and modernizing the nation’s grain inspection system.
Testifying on behalf of NGFA’s approximately 700 member companies was Nick Friant, Director of Raw Material Quality at Cargill and Chairman of NGFA’s Grain Grades and Weights Committee. His testimony mirrored the remarks delivered to the House Agriculture Committee last month, where he appeared on June 26. The House Committee approved a reauthorization package on July 22 with bipartisan support.
“The U.S. grain inspection system has long set a global benchmark for quality and reliability,” Friant testified. “However, as the international grain market becomes increasingly competitive, our inspection and grading systems must evolve accordingly.”
Friant’s remarks emphasized two industry priorities for reauthorization: investing in modern grain grading technologies and clarifying emergency waiver authorities to ensure export continuity during disruptions. He also voiced support for reforms to advisory committee operations, greater transparency in fee structures, and limiting user fees to regulated commodities.
NGFA applauded the House Committee’s recent bipartisan action and urged the Senate to move quickly so the legislation can be enacted before the current authorization expires.
For more information about NGFA’s priorities for USGSA reauthorization, visit www.ngfa.org.
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