The Grain Inspection Advisory Committee provides advice to the Secretary of Agriculture on matters related to the implementation of the U.S. Grain Standards Act. A topic of recurring interest over the past decade has been how new technology can be incorporated into the official grading system to improve efficiency, timeliness, consistency and accuracy. (Refer to Exhibit A for relevant resolutions from prior years.) In preparation for the next meeting, a subgroup of the committee collected input from industry and designated / delegated agencies.

In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, the Agricultural Marketing Service announces a virtual meeting of the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee. This meeting is being convened to discuss general Federal Advisory Committee operations for newly appointed representatives, hold elections, receive updates from USDA offices, and perform a series of administrative actions.

The Agricultural Marketing Service Grain Inspection Advisory Committee conducts its fall meeting Dec. 14, 2022, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT and Dec. 15, 2022, from 8:30 a.m. to noon CT. The meeting will be held in person and virtually at the AMS National Grain Center, 10383 N. Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, Missouri 64153.

Visit the Grain Inspection Advisory Committee webpage for more information and go to GIAC December 2022 Meeting to participate virtually.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it is seeking feedback on proposed updates to the Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications (IMPS) documents for fresh lamb and fresh veal maintained by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). The updates to these voluntary consensus specifications were recommended by a committee of meat industry experts and stakeholders.

The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Farm to Consumer Food Initiative will purchase culturally appropriate food from regional farmers, with a focus on those operated by indigenous people and nearby tribal nations over a two-year period. The food will be used to provide food to low-income tribal members in areas identified as a desert or those known to be chronically nutritionally insecure. Distribution will occur through the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Elderly Nutrition Program, community centers, and establishment of a food backpack program at area schools.