On December 30, the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) reduced its Official Inspection and Weighing Fees for 2017 based on operating reserves that exceed 4.5 months of operating expenses. However, FGIS also announced that it is increasing its National Tonnage fee to $.006, almost ten percent from 2016. This increased tonnage fee for 2017 reflect a nearly 16 percent increase in FGIS administrative costs in 2016, from $6.2 million in 2015 to $7.2 million last year.

Throughout implementation of the 2015 Grain Standards Act, which adjusted how FGIS determines fees, NAEGA and NGFA have continually urged the FGIS to bring its field office expenses, and resultant fees, in line with those of official agencies that provide inspection and weighing services, including through these comments on Grain Standards Act implementation.