Following up on a July meeting, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is leading a newly developed working group to address industry concerns regarding implementation of Chinese Decree 177, which came into effect on July 1. Decree 177 lays out a regulatory framework for import to China of grains for food and feed and strengthens existing food safety laws on imported foods, including implementation of a facility registration process. The newly created working group will develop an advocacy and engagement strategy related to industry interest regarding implementation of Decree 177. Included in the working group are government personnel including the Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA), the Farm Service Agency (FSA), and APHIS, as well as private sector stakeholders including NAEGA, the National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA), the U.S. Grains Council, U.S. Wheat Associates and the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC). More information on the activities of the working group will be shared as information becomes available.

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