DEPARTMENTAL REGULATION

Number:

1043-019

SUBJECT:

Grain Inspection Advisory Committee

DATE:

January 10, 2007

OPI:

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)

1 PURPOSE

a Under Section 21 of the United States Grain Standards (Act), as amended, the Grain Inspection Advisory Committee was established on September 29, 1981.

b The purpose of the Advisory Committee is to provide advice to the Administrator of the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) with respect to the implementation of the Act and the Reorganization Act of 1994.

c The renewal of this Committee is in the public interest in connection with duties and responsibilities of GIPSA mandated by law to facilitate the marketing of grain. The Committee serves an essential function.

2 SPECIAL INSTRUCTION/CANCELLATION

a This regulation will expire two years from the date of filing.

b Departmental Regulation 1043‑19, dated December 28, 2004, is hereby superseded.

3 OFFICERS AND MEMBERSHIP

a The Committee shall elect from among its members a Chairperson and a Vice Chairperson. Elections shall be by majority vote of those members present. The Vice Chairperson will act in the absence of the Chairperson. A representative of GIPSA will serve as Executive Secretary and will provide the necessary staff support for the Committee. The Administrator of GIPSA is the Department official designated to call or approve the calling of meetings of the Committee and to approve the agenda for such meetings.

b The Committee will consist of 15 members and 15 alternates to be appointed by the Secretary. Members and alternates will be

selected from and will represent the interests of all segments of the grain producing, processing, storing, merchandising,

consuming, and exporting industries, including grain inspection and weighing agencies and scientists with expertise in research related to the policies in Section 2 of the Act. Members and alternates of the Committee shall be appointed to three-year terms. No member of the Advisory Committee may serve successive terms.

c Equal Opportunity practices, in line with USDA policies, will be followed in all appointments to the Committee. To ensure that the recommendations of the Committee have taken into account the needs of the diverse groups served by the Department, membership shall include to the extent practicable individuals with demonstrated ability to represent minorities, women, and persons with disabilities.

4 DUTIES

a The duties of the Committee involve providing advice to the Administrator of GIPSA with respect to the implementation of the Act consistent with the declarations of policy in Section 2 of this Act. The Committee may also provide advice to the Administrator with respect to the implementation of assigned Responsibilities of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946.

b The duties of the Committee are solely advisory.

5 ESTIMATED ANNUAL OPERATING COSTS

a Annual operating costs are estimated to be $45,000 and 0.70 staff‑years.

b Members shall serve without pay, but may be reimbursed for travel expenses and per diem for attendance at the Committee functions in accordance with USDA travel regulations. Alternatively, travel expenses may be paid by Committee members.

6 NUMBER AND FREQUENCY OF MEETINGS

a It is estimated that the Committee will meet two times annually.

b Subcommittees of the Committee will meet as established by the Chairperson of the Committee.

c Meetings will be open to the public.

7 REPORTS/SUPPORT

a The Committee will report to the Administrator of GIPSA.

b Support to the Committee will be provided by GIPSA’s Federal Grain Inspection Service.

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