Opportunity for United States Grain Standards Act Designation: Alabama: Essex, Illinois: Missouri; Hastings, Nebraska; Aberdeen, South Dakota; and Washington areas; and Request for Comments on the Official Agencies Servicing These Areas

Docket Number: AMS–FGIS–22–0012
Dates: 

Applications and comments for areas of designation terminating on September 30, 2022, currently operated by Aberdeen, Hastings, and Missouri must be received by September 19, 2022.

Applications and comments for areas of designation terminating on December 31, 2022, currently operated by Alabama, Kankakee, and Washington must be received between October 1, 2022, and October 31, 2022.

Summary

The United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA) designations of the official agencies listed in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION 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 submit an application 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 AMS's Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) and are authorized to provide official inspection and weighing services in a defined geographical area. In addition, we request comments on the quality of services provided by the following designated agencies: Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (Alabama); Kankakee Grain Inspection, Inc. (Kankakee); Missouri Department of Agriculture (Missouri); Hastings Grain Inspection, Inc. (Hastings); Aberdeen Grain Inspection, Inc. (Aberdeen); and Washington Department of Agriculture (Washington). 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.

Submit Comments

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

• To apply for USGSA Designation: Go to FGISonline and then click on the Delegations/Designations and Export Registrations (DDR) link. You will need to obtain an FGISonline customer number (CIM) and create a USDA eAuthentication account prior to applying.

• To submit Comments Regarding Current Designated Official Agencies: Go to Regulations.gov. Instructions for submitting and reading comments are detailed on the site. Interested persons are invited to submit written comments concerning this notice. 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: All comments will be available for public inspection online at https://www.regulations.gov. If you would like to view the applications, please contact us at FGISQACD@usda.gov.

Contact

Austyn L. Hughes, Compliance Officer, Federal Grain Inspection Service, AMS, USDA; Telephone (816) 266-5066; or Email: FGISQACD@usda.gov.

Supporting Documents