Congress Extends U.S. Grain Standards Act, NGFA Calls for Full Reauthorization

The National Grain and Feed Association applauds the temporary extension but urges lawmakers to enact a longer-term reauthorization.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) has applauded Congress for passing a fiscal year funding package that includes an extension of the authorization for the U.S. Grain Standards Act (USGSA) through September 30, 2026. While welcoming the temporary extension, NGFA stressed that Congress should move expeditiously to complete a full five-year reauthorization of the USGSA to provide greater stability and allow for needed operational improvements.

Why it matters

The USGSA plays a critical role in ensuring the integrity, transparency, and reliability of the U.S. grain marketing system for both domestic and international customers. A longer-term reauthorization would help maintain the competitiveness, credibility, and reliability of U.S. grain in the global market.

The details

The extension of the USGSA authorization was included in the fiscal year funding package passed by Congress. NGFA has long emphasized the importance of maintaining uninterrupted authority for the USGSA, as it helps avoid uncertainty for the grain trade and reinforces confidence in U.S. grain quality and inspection services.

  • The fiscal year funding package, including the USGSA extension, was passed by Congress on February 3, 2026.
  • The USGSA extension is set to expire on September 30, 2026.

The players

National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA)

A trade association representing the interests of the grain, feed, processing, exporting, and allied industries.

Glenn 'GT' Thompson

Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.

Angie Craig

Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee.

John Boozman

Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Amy Klobuchar

Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

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What they’re saying

“This extension is an important step that helps avoid uncertainty for the grain trade and reinforces confidence in U.S. grain quality and inspection services.”

— Mike Seyfert, President and CEO, NGFA (NGFA)

“We urge Congress to move quickly to enact a full five-year reauthorization. Providing long-term certainty is essential to maintaining the competitiveness, credibility, and reliability of U.S. grain in the global market.”

— Mike Seyfert, President and CEO, NGFA (NGFA)

What’s next

Congress is expected to consider a full five-year reauthorization of the U.S. Grain Standards Act in the coming months.

The takeaway

The temporary extension of the U.S. Grain Standards Act is a positive step, but the grain industry is calling for a longer-term reauthorization to provide greater stability and allow for needed improvements to the federal grain inspection and weighing system.