Under the 2015 reauthorization of the US Grain Standards Act, two actions were required of the Secretary of Agriculture with respect to fees for official inspection and weighing.  One action is that all fees related to official inspection and weighing services must be adjusted at least annually to maintain a 3-to-6-month operating reserve, with adjustments being made based on a target operating reserve of 4.5 months[1].  The other is that the export tonnage fees for official inspection and weighing must be based on the rolling 5-year a

Background: 

The Grain Inspection Advisory Committee meets regularly to advise AMS on the programs and services it delivers under the U.S. Grain Standards Act.  An area of growing importance in regards to the services delivered is the supply of data to both internal and external users.  Having secure access to accurate and standardized data in a timely fashion is paramount to facilitating grain trade.

Discussion Topics:

Physical Scientists perform analytical analysis of grains and agricultural commodities. The incumbent serves in the development, implementation, and performance rheological, physicochemical, and biochemical methods for characterizing the end-use functional properties of cereal grains, oilseeds, and related commodities. These duties may include:

Agricultural Economists provide economic information, data and analyses of specialty crops, dairy products, livestock, meat, and poultry commodities for domestic food assistance programs and/or assess the impact of AMS marketing order and research and promotion programs. These duties may include: 

Microbiologists conduct microbiological analyses, keep proper records, and interpret results. In addition, they assure the technical quality of the microbiological analyses, carryout quality control activities, and provide authoritative information to industry personnel and government officials. This work may include:

Compliance and Enforcement Specialists plan and administer compliance and enforcement, litigation coordination, and compliance plans. They accomplish this through a variety of activities, including compliance reviews, program analysis, investigations, and interpretive support. Specialists also manage marketing order committee compliance efforts and focus committees on the prevention of violations to create an environment in which handlers have less incentive to violate than to comply with program requirements.

Applications will be accepted for seasonal Agricultural Commodity Graders (Classer Trainee, GS-1980-05), $18.06 P.H. beginning August 14. Application forms OF-612 and OF-306 can be obtained from the address above or you can request a copy by email from FlorenceCO@usda.gov.  Selected individuals will be trained in the classification of cotton and must pass the Cotton & Tobacco Program Classer Examination.