Grain Inspection Advisory Committee Quorum
The Grain Inspection Advisory Committee (GIAC) under its MEMBERSHIP BALANCE PLAN, Point 6. Quorum Requirements, The Advisory Committee requires two-thirds of its members to be present in order to hold a meeting.
The GIAC committee would like to recommend a change in this quorum requirement to a simple majority of the membership. The GIAC Committee believes that ability to hold business meetings more consistently each year gives them a better ability to address industry issues in a timelier manner. We also believe that the public forum and comment period posted prior to the meeting would allow each member, whether present or not, to have a voice and weigh in on a topic even if they cannot be part of a vote.
Grain Inspection Advisory Committee Nominations and Terms
The Grain Inspection Advisory Committee (GIAC) under USGSA Section 87j Advisory committees, (a) Establishment, numbers and terms of members: Members of the advisory committee shall be appointed to three-year terms, except that of the initial fifteen members of the advisory committee first appointed committee first appointed following the enactment of this section, five shall be appointed for terms of one year and five shall be appointed for terms of two years. No member of the advisory committee may serve successively for more than 2 terms.
The GIAC committee would like to recommend to FGIS to support a change in this statute to extend terms to four years. An extended term would allow for a time frame where no members were rolling off the committee. This would give the committee a better continuation in the experience of committee members in the business operations and diversity of the knowledge of the industry.
Also, that no member of the GIAC may serve consecutively for more than two terms but are not limited to additional terms in the future.
Cyber Security
To keep pace with the growing population, global agriculture is witnessing rapid implementation of new digital-based technologies to increase agriculture and food production. Deemed Agriculture 4.0, the expansion of new technologies such as robotics, aerial imaging, digital mapping of seeds, and GPS are just a few examples of the expansion of technologies in agriculture. Consistent with an increased use of digital tools, there is a need to maintain and update protections for food and agricultural supply chains from farm to table, not just physical protections, but also digital protections via cybersecurity. New digital technologies enable opportunities for more advanced agriculture efficiencies, but also provide multiple platforms for cyber-attacks.
What role should USDA AMS FGIS play in helping defend critical infrastructure and ensure viable supply chains in the U.S. grain industry?
Key actions to consider, but are not limited to:
- Invite FBI cyber security task force to next FGIS advisory board meeting to discuss anti-terrorism activities the FBI is engaging in to protect U.S. agricultural systems
- Invite NGFA staff to next FGIS advisory board meeting to discuss their ongoing activities and potential partnering opportunities with FGIS to provide cyber security resources to U.S. grain industry
- Evaluate current FGIS digital security measures
- Develop digital security roadmap to be used in conjunction with contemporaneous development of instrumentation technologies
Recommendation: Standardizing NIRT Moisture Basis Certification for Soybeans, Corn, and Barley
The Grain Inspection Advisory Committee (GIAC) recommends that the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) require the inclusion of actual official moisture content within the certificate result statement for Corn, Soybean, and Barley on an ‘as is’ basis. The certificate should state the protein, oil, and/or starch content, as an example “Protein XX%, XX.XX% moisture basis, ‘as is.’” This change aims to ensure transparency within the industry and provide accurate information to grain buyers.
Currently, if reporting on an ‘as is’ basis on a separate certificate, the actual moisture is not reported. By specifying the actual moisture level used for certification, the calculations become more transparent.
By implementing this certification change, buyers can make informed decisions based on accurate information, leading to fair trade practices.
Technology and Innovation
The Grain Inspection Advisory Committee (GIAC) strongly recommends placing technology and innovation at the forefront of Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) priorities. Specifically, we emphasize the need to enhance export inspection efficiencies through technological advancements, standards, and procedural changes.
Rationale:
- Budget Constraints: We acknowledge the current budget limitations faced by FGIS. However, we urge you to recognize that technology is a strategic necessity.
- Export Volume: Export inspection is a critical function within our industry. With the current decline in export volumes and unknown domestic use, the ability to operate within the changing market is imperative.
Recommendations:
Investment in Technology: Allocate resources or partner with other agencies to research, develop, and implement technology-driven solutions for inspection processes.
- Approach the feasibility and implementation of current solutions to streamline sample functions. As an example, looking into the current solution of an automated sampler/dockage machine, with approved inspection equipment, combined into one apparatus to increase efficiencies at the export locations.
- Brainstorm potential solutions for decreasing time taken between sampling and sample breakdown of samples.
- Analysis of Test Weight using instrumentation vs. current manual kettle method. Specifically, looking into current approved moisture meter feasibility in analyzing test weight alongside the moisture.
- Continue vetting potential instrumentation regarding visual inspection.
The Committee wants to keep technological efficiencies within grain inspection as a continual topic at the GIAC meetings. By the next meeting, the Committee would like to hear updates on the above priorities.