WASHINGTON, July 8, 2008 - The USDA Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration today announced Randall Jones as the new deputy administrator of the Agency's Federal Grain Inspection Service. Mr. Jones will serve in his new capacity effective July 20, 2008.

"We are delighted that Mr. Jones will be leading the national grain inspection and weighing program," said GIPSA Administrator James Link. "He brings to this critically important position proven leadership ability and expertise in programs that enhance trade in domestic and international markets."

The Federal Grain Inspection Service facilitates the marketing of U.S. grain and related agricultural products by providing the market with the official U.S. quality standards and methods to assess product quality; maintaining the integrity of the U.S. grain marketing system and overseeing America's national inspection system, a network of third-party Federal, State and private providers that provide impartial, user-fee funded official inspection and weighing services.

Prior to joining GIPSA, Mr. Jones served as associate deputy administrator of the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service's Livestock and Seed Program. During his tenure, he oversaw research and promotion programs for beef, pork, lamb and soybeans; livestock and grain market reporting; domestic and foreign seed trade activities and quality management programs to market seed and meat products domestically and internationally. He also was directly involved in the development and implementation of a new research and promotion program for sorghum. Before his service with the Agricultural Marketing Service, Mr. Jones served more than 16 years in various management positions with the USDA Farm Service Agency and the former Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service.

Mr. Jones received his Bachelor of Science from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va. He is a native of Grayson County in southwest Virginia. where he grew up on a beef cattle and dairy farm. He now resides in Warrenton, Va., with his wife and daughter.

Mr. Jones replaces Mr. David Shipman, who left GIPSA earlier this year.

The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration facilitates the marketing of livestock, poultry, meat, cereals, oilseeds and related agricultural products, and promotes fair and competitive trading practices for the overall benefit of consumers and American agriculture.

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GIPSA Release #14-08

Dana Stewart

202-720-5091