Grain Inspection Advisory Committee
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Grain Inspection Advisory Committee (GIAC) advises the USDA on matters related to grain standards, inspection, and weighing under the U.S. Grain Standards Act. It focuses on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of these services to benefit the grain industry and its customers.
Mission
GIAC's mission involves providing strategic advice to ensure the grain inspection system meets the evolving needs of the market. It works towards enhancing the accuracy, consistency, and transparency of grain inspection processes, thereby facilitating fair trade and supporting the U.S. grain industry's competitiveness.[1]
Parent organization
GIAC is managed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), specifically under the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), which oversees the grain inspection, grading, and weighing services.[2]
Legislation
The committee was established under the authority of the U.S. Grain Standards Act, which governs the inspection of grain for international and domestic commerce.[3]
Partners
- Grain producers, processors, and exporters
- State and local government agencies involved in agriculture
- Educational and research institutions for technical input[4]
Number of employees
GIAC consists of 15 members appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture, representing various sectors of the grain industry.[5]
Organization structure
The committee includes members from across the grain industry, ensuring diverse perspectives.
Leader
The committee is led by a Chair, who organizes meetings and directs committee activities.
Divisions
GIAC does not have formal divisions but may form subcommittees for specific tasks:
- Subcommittees might focus on technology in inspection, standards review, or specific grain types.
List of programs
- Advising on grain standards and inspection methods
- Review of inspection equipment and technology
- Recommendations for policy and regulatory changes
Last total enacted budget
The budget for GIAC is not publicly specified; its operations are funded through the AMS's budget.
Staff
The committee itself has no dedicated staff; administrative support is provided by AMS employees.
Funding
Funding for GIAC's activities is embedded within the AMS budget, specifically under the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS).
Services provided
GIAC provides advisory services to improve grain inspection policies, standards, and practices. It focuses on ensuring that inspection services remain relevant, efficient, and in alignment with international and domestic trade requirements.
Regulations overseen
While GIAC does not directly oversee regulations, its recommendations influence the administration of grain inspection standards under the U.S. Grain Standards Act.
Headquarters address
10383 N Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO 64153, United States
History
Since its inception under the U.S. Grain Standards Act, GIAC has been instrumental in advising on the modernization and standardization of grain inspection services, adapting to new technologies and market demands over time.[6]
External links
References
- ↑ USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. "Grain Inspection Advisory Committee". USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, https://www.ams.usda.gov/about-ams/facas-advisory-councils/giac (accessed February 8, 2025).
- ↑ USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. "About AMS". USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, https://www.ams.usda.gov/about-ams (accessed February 8, 2025).
- ↑ U.S. Government Publishing Office. "U.S. Grain Standards Act". U.S. Government Publishing Office, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2011-title7/pdf/USCODE-2011-title7-chap8.pdf (accessed February 8, 2025).
- ↑ USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. "Grain Inspection Advisory Committee". USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, https://www.ams.usda.gov/about-ams/facas-advisory-councils/giac (accessed February 8, 2025).
- ↑ USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. "Grain Inspection Advisory Committee; Membership Nominations". USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/giac-nominations (accessed February 8, 2025).
- ↑ U.S. Government Publishing Office. "U.S. Grain Standards Act". U.S. Government Publishing Office, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2011-title7/pdf/USCODE-2011-title7-chap8.pdf (accessed February 8, 2025).