The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry has advanced H.R. 4550, the United States Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2025, moving the amended bill to the full Senate. The legislation was led by Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).
Chairman Boozman stated, “The weighing and inspection services provided by USDA’s Federal Grain Inspection Service and its partners are vital to the efficient marketing of high-quality U.S. grain worldwide. I appreciate the bipartisan leadership of Chairman Thompson and Ranking Member Craig in advancing this legislation, and Ranking Member Klobuchar and I are proud to build on that progress. I look forward to swift passage in the Senate.”
Klobuchar added, “As farmers face increased uncertainty this year, it’s critical that we maintain the U.S. grain inspection system. That’s why Chairman Boozman and I are working to reauthorize the bipartisan U.S. Grain Standards Act, which will protect the interests of American farmers and help ensure the U.S. grain inspection system remains the gold standard around the world. Provisions in this bill were informed by a variety of stakeholders, including Minnesotans.”
The U.S. Grain Standards Act allows the federal government to set marketing standards for grains and oilseeds and establishes procedures for inspection and weighing. These measures are required for exported grains and oilseeds to maintain quality standards.
Industry leaders expressed support for the committee’s action. Mike Seyfert, President and CEO of the National Grain and Feed Association, said, “This is a pivotal moment for the grain value chain. By moving this bill forward, the Senate Agriculture Committee is helping to ensure continuity, reliability and innovation in the grain inspection system that underpins the competitiveness of U.S. grain in global markets. Modernization, efficiency and stability are nonnegotiables for the participants across the supply chain — from producers, elevators and processors to exporters. This markup is a strong step forward, and we urge the full Senate to act swiftly to pass the reauthorization so it can reach President Trump’s desk.”
Dr. John Newton, Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Analysis at the American Farm Bureau Federation, said, “Farmers are facing unprecedented financial pressure — receiving historically low prices for their crops while struggling with high operating costs. Farm Bureau strongly supports the continued advancement of the U.S. Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2025 through the Senate Agriculture Committee markup process and its eventual passage into law. It will bring a level of certainty for farmers as the bill reauthorizes grain standards and makes necessary policy updates to ensure farmers have a strong and reliable grain market. We applaud the bipartisan work done thus far and appreciate the Senate Agriculture Committee taking the next step on the House-passed U.S. Grain Standards Reauthorization bill to mark up this important piece of legislation.”
Jed Bower, President of the National Corn Growers Association, said, “Reliable and consistent grain grading is essential to maintaining markets, farmer profitability and global trust in U.S. commodities. It is crucial to farmers and rural communities to extend the U.S. Grain Standards Act and advance grading technology to strengthen the grain value chain. That’s why we support the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry for its work to advance this bipartisan legislation.”
Pat Clements, President of the National Association of Wheat Growers, stated, “NAWG commends the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry for its bipartisan leadership in advancing the reauthorization of the U.S. Grain Standards Act. We support the Committee’s focus on modernizing grain grading technologies and streamlining evaluation processes, which will strengthen transparency, consistency, and market confidence. Maintaining and updating U.S. grain standards is critical to protecting the integrity of both domestic and export markets, and we appreciate the Committee’s efforts to incorporate technology and innovation, ensuring U.S. standards remain world-class and responsive to the needs of farmers, buyers, and the broader supply chain.”
The 2025 reauthorization would restore lapsed authorities for appropriations, fee collection, an administrative cost cap, and an advisory committee that expired on September 30, 2025. It also emphasizes advancing grain grading technology and research.
Earlier this year, the committee held a hearing to gather industry perspectives on the reauthorization.
