Opportunities in 2023 for United States Grain Standards Act Designation

Opportunities in 2023 for United States Grain Standards Act Designation: Jamestown, ND; Lincoln, NE; Memphis, TN; et al.: Intent to Certify Delegated Agencies Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture

Docket Number: AMS-FGIS-23-0002
Dates:

Comments for delegated state agency Wisconsin must be received by May 1, 2023.

Applications and comments for areas of designation terminating on March 31, 2023, currently operated by Jamestown, Lincoln, and Midsouth must be received by May 1, 2023.

Applications and comments for areas of designation terminating on June 30, 2023, currently operated by Kansas, Mid-Iowa, Minot and Tri-State must be received between April 1, 2023, and April 30, 2023.

Applications and comments for areas of designation terminating on September 30, 2023, currently operated by Idaho and Ohio Valley must be received between July 1, 2023, and July 31, 2023.

Applications and comments for areas of designation terminating on December 31, 2023, currently operated by California and Virginia must be received between October 1, 2023, and October 31, 2023.

Comments on the quality of official services at export port locations provided by delegated state agency Virginia must be received between October 1, 2023–October 31, 2023.

Summary

The United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA) designations of the official agencies listed will end on the prescribed dates. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking persons or governmental agencies interested in providing official services in the areas presently served by these agencies to apply for designation. Designation provides for private entities or state governmental agencies to be an integral part of the official grain inspection system . Designated agencies work under the supervision of the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) and are authorized to provide official inspection and weighing services in a defined geographic area. In addition, we request comments on the quality of services provided by the following designated agencies: Grain Inspection, Inc. (Jamestown); Lincoln Grain Inspection Service, Inc. (Lincoln); Midsouth Grain Inspection Service (Midsouth); Kansas Grain Inspection Service, Inc. (Kansas); Mid-Iowa Grain Inspection, Inc. (Mid-Iowa); Minot Grain Inspection, Inc. (Minot); Tri-State Grain Inspection, Inc. (Tri-State); Idaho Grain Inspection Service, Inc. (Idaho); Ohio Valley Grain Inspection, Inc. (Ohio Valley); California Agri Inspection Co., Ltd. (California); and Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (Virginia). AMS encourages submissions from traditionally underrepresented individuals, organizations, and businesses to reflect the diversity of this industry. AMS encourages submissions from qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. AMS is also asking for comments on the quality of official services at export port locations provided by delegated state agencies Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (Virginia) and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture (Wisconsin). AMS considers comments and other available information when determining certification.

Submit Comments

Submit applications and comments concerning this Notice using the following methods:

  • To apply for USGSA Designation: You will need to obtain an FGISonline customer number (CIM) and create a USDA eAuthentication account prior to applying. Then go to FGISonline and then click on the Delegations/Designations and Export Registrations (DDR) link. Applicants are encouraged to begin the designation application process early and allow time for system authentication.
  • To submit Comments Regarding Current Designated and/or Delegated Official Agencies: Go to Regulations.gov. Instructions for submitting and reading comments are detailed on the site. All comments must be submitted through the Federal e-rulemaking portal at https://www.regulations.gov and should reference the document number and the date and page number of this issue of the Federal Register. All comments submitted in response to this notice will be included in the record and will be made available to the public. Please be advised that the identity of the individuals or entities submitting comments will be made public on the internet at the address provided above.
  • Read Applications and Comments: If you would like to view the applications, please contact FGISQACD@usda.gov . All comments will be available for public viewing online at https://www.regulations.gov .

Contact

J. Ricardo Espitia, Compliance Officer, Federal Grain Inspection Service, AMS, USDA; Telephone: (202) 699–0246; or Email: FGISQACD@usda.gov.

Supporting Documents