SSGA offers comments on FGIS inspection exemption

The Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance recently offered comments to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service’s Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS), endorsing the reauthorization of an exemption for high-quality grains from weighing and inspection.

SSGA, which represents the U.S. identity preserved (IP) industry, emphasized in its comments that IP field crops are traded above mandated standards – they’re truly “above the grade” – and IP companies take great care to adhere to quality assurance protocols and maintain records.

“Reauthorizing the exemption and its reporting requirements is an important step to maintain and grow this grain segment,” SSGA commented. FGIS is in the process of requesting a three-year extension and revision of a currently approved information collection for “Export Inspection and Weighing Waiver for High Quality Specialty Grain Transported in Containers” and sought and accepted comments through July 26.

SSGA continues to remind its members and others in the IP industry to make sure they are holding up their end of the bargain by registering with FGIS and keeping thorough and accurate records. SSGA is assisting its members in registering, when necessary.

“U.S. exporters need to remember to register properly with the Federal Grain Inspection Service and maintain records as indicated by this announcement,” said Eric Wenberg, SSGA executive director. “Most identity preserved shipments move above the grain grades, and we need to maintain our industry reputation for quality. Great record keeping is essential to the high-quality grains programs our buyers rely on. We need to keep the high-quality grain segment with this exemption.”

SSGA continues to work with FGIS and the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to ease certification burdens for IP exporters.

To register with FGIS as a recognized exporter go here. For registered companies, instructions for exemptions can be found in FGIS Directive 9020.1, Section 4. Exporters will need to email FGISQACD@usda.gov with all necessary information required for an exemption.

For questions or more information, please write to SSGA at info@soyagrainsalliance.org.