GIPSA's Federal Grain inspection Service manages the national inspection and weighing system, a unique network of Federal, State, and private laboratories that serve our customers across the country. Our State and private partners are authorized to provide official services on GIPSA's behalf.

GIPSA delegates States to provide official inspection and weighing of U.S. grain at export port locations; and designates States and private agencies to provide official inspection and weighing services in the domestic market.

GIPSA establishes cooperative agreements with States to provide sampling or inspection services for miscellaneous processed commodities, graded commodities, or rice under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a documented plan outlining cooperation between a Federal agency and one or more Federal, State, or international government agencies. An MOU generally does not include specific information about detailed scope of work or the exchange of funds or human resources. FGIS has active MOUs with Federal agencies and with agencies of international governments.

Those who perform official inspection and weighing functions under the Agricultural marketing Act (AMA) and/or United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA) are licensed by GIPSA.

GIPSA provides guidance to its State and private partners in the national inspection and weighing system and the entire grain industry (i.e., producers, handlers, merchandisers, exporters, transporters, elevator operators, licensed personnel, contractors, government entities, etc.) about grain handling provisions under the United States Grain Standards Act.

Last updated 02/15/06