Federal Export Grain Inspection and Weighing Programs: Improvements Can Make Them More Effective and Less Costly

摘要

Since the Grain Standards Act of 1976 was passed, some improvements have been made in export grain inspection and weighing operations but more are needed. Some grain standards and inspection procedures are too lenient or not adequate and inspection certificates still do not always fully disclose insect infestation, low-quality grain, and foreign material in grain shipments. The effectiveness of the new weight supervision program has been limited by a lack of adequate instructions and supervision and a lack of proper training and high turnover of weighing personnel. Also, improved efficiencies in staffing and program operations could reduce inspection and weighing costs. The Department of Agriculture should further improve inspection and weighing program procedures and insure that personnel are properly trained and supervised. To reduce weighing costs, the Congress should amend the Grain Standards Act, revising the requirement that all grain transferred into an export elevator be officially weighed.