HQSG program reaches 700 submissions, open for more participants

In April 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) launched the High Quality Specialty Grains (HQSG) inspection program. The audit-based program, administratively supported by SSGA, has completed more than 700 inspection reports, used for phytosanitary certificate applications for containerized exports of high-quality soybeans to a dozen countries. This program saves grain facility users time and money when exporting their high quality, specialty grains for human consumption. The program helps rural, small businesses that export comply with USDA requirements for phytosanitary inspection.

SSGA negotiated the program with APHIS on behalf of U.S. exporters after successfully supporting APHIS in 2020 to delay the implementation of Japan’s requirement of a phytosanitary certificate for all U.S.-origin grains and oilseeds. With Japan’s requirement now in effect since August 2023, the HQSG program aids in the phytosanitary report process for U.S.-grown soybeans exported in containers for human consumption or processing for human consumption and may be used for any importing country requiring a phytosanitary certificate. USDA saw the extra burden coming for high quality exporters and found a way to provide a new opportunity.

Any U.S. grain facility that exports high quality soybeans for human consumption can be eligible to participate in the program. SSGA staff will guide accepted users throughout the compliance, quality assurance review, inspection and training requirements before helping them formally implement the program with APHIS. If your company is interested in using the program, please contact SSGA Executive Director Eric Wenberg at 507-613-0780 or ewenberg@soyagrainsalliance.org.