GIPSA Publishes Final Rule on USGSA

On July 29 the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) published its final rule revising existing regulations and adding new regulations under the U.S. Grain Standards Act (USGSA). The USGSA was reauthorized by Congress and signed into law on September 30, 2015. The reauthorization includes several changes to existing law that required additions or modifications to the underlying regulations. As part of this process NAEGA and NGFA submitted comments on April 25 urging GIPSA to make several changes to its proposed rule regarding changes to the USGSA. With some notable exceptions GIPSA supported these proposed changes. However, GIPSA insisted on, against the request of NAEGA and NGFA, defining the term “emergency.” In addition, GIPSA refused to require a 72-hour advance notice of discontinuation of service to affected users of official inspection and weighing services, as suggested by the NAEGA-NGFA comments.

NAEGA and NGFA have developed an overview of the proposed and final amendments to the USGSA. This overview can be found here. For more information, please contact Gary or Ryan.