USDA Seeks Feedback on Grain Reporting and Recordkeeping Paperwork Rules
Published Date: 3/20/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of Agriculture is asking for public feedback on a paperwork update related to grain and agricultural marketing rules. This affects farmers, grain handlers, and businesses who report and keep records under these laws. Comments are open until April 21, 2025, and the goal is to make reporting easier without adding extra costs or hassle.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Estimated Aggregate Reporting Burden
The Department estimates 9,910 respondents and a total burden of 162,259 hours for the reporting and recordkeeping covered by OMB Control Number 0581-0309. The collection covers recordkeeping, third-party disclosure, and reporting on occasion, semi-annually, or annually and the data are used for statistical purposes and shared with other USDA and government agencies and external stakeholders.
3-Year Recordkeeping Requirement
If you are a producer, elevator operator, or merchandiser who obtains official inspection, testing, or weighing services under the United States Grain Standards Act or the Agricultural Marketing Act, you must keep records for a period of 3 years. This requirement is stated in the USGSA and AMA regulations and applies to records pertaining to the lot of grain or related commodity.
5-Year Retention for Official Personnel
If you are FGIS staff, State personnel, or private personnel who provide official inspection, testing, or weighing services under the USGSA or AMA, you must keep records pertaining to the lot of grain or related commodity for a period of 5 years. The rule applies to FGIS, State, and private personnel who perform official services.
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