U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman opened a hearing to discuss the reauthorization of the U.S. Grain Standards Act, which is set to expire at the end of September. The hearing gathered input from three expert witnesses—Mr. Friant, Mrs. Mikesh, and Mr. Wipf—who provided their perspectives on key components of the act.
Boozman highlighted the importance of the weighing and inspection services offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Federal Grain Inspection Service and its partner agencies. He noted that these services are essential for marketing high-quality U.S. grain internationally and maintaining the country’s reputation as a reliable supplier.
“Good afternoon. It is my privilege to call this hearing to order. I thank my colleagues for joining us and the witnesses before us for taking the time to be here. Today, we will consider three perspectives from expert witnesses regarding the need to reauthorize critical components of the U.S. Grain Standards Act, which are set to expire at the end of September," Boozman said in his opening statement.
He continued: “From farmers, to consumers, to our trading partners; our nation’s agricultural system relies on the critical weighing and inspection services provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Federal Grain Inspection Service and partner agencies across the country. These services facilitate the timely marketing of high-quality U.S. grain into the global marketplace and help set the U.S. apart as a trusted, consistent, and reliable source for the world’s grain needs."
Addressing those providing testimony at the hearing, Boozman stated: “Mr. Friant, Mrs. Mikesh, and Mr. Wipf, your testimony today will help inform how we can best proceed."
“We appreciate the engagement from you and your organizations – as I always say – the best ideas come from the ground up," he added.
Boozman also emphasized collaboration with USDA: “We will also be working with USDA to ensure our farmers, and the grain value chain, continue to receive quality service, and that USDA has the authority and flexibility it needs to adequately respond to any issues that may arise."
He concluded: “I look forward to working with Ranking Member Klobuchar, members of this committee, and the stakeholders who depend on the U.S. Grain Standards functioning properly, to ensure a timely, productive, and bipartisan reauthorization of this act. Thank you all again for being here today.”
