The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration is reducing inspection and weighing service fees by five percent beginning January 1, 2017. The reduction will remain in effect until further notice.
“Due to the continuation of high grain exports, The Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) operating reserve exceeds 4 ½ months of operating expenses. FGIS also reviewed tonnage fees and the tonnage fees were adjusted to reflect fiscal year 2016 costs and a five year average of export tons,” said GIPSA Administrator Larry Mitchell.
In 2015, the U.S. Grain Standards Act (USGSA) was amended by the Agriculture Reauthorizations Act of 2015, to require FGIS to adjust annually the export grain inspection and weighing fees when the operating reserve (OR) is less than or more than 4
½ months of operating expenses. The amendments also instruct the Program to adjust tonnage fees on an annual basis using a rolling five year average of export tons.
The USGSA provides FGIS’ with the authority to charge and collect reasonable fees to cover the cost of performing official services.
For additional information about FGIS visit the GIPSA website: www.gipsa.usda.gov