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GIPSA was established on October 20, 1994, under the authority of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994, to administer the programs and functions of the former Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) and Packers and Stockyards Administration (P&S). GIPSA's two program activities -- the Federal Grain Inspection program and the Packers and Stockyards programs (P&S) -- play vital roles in American agriculture. The Agency's programs and services promote a competitive, efficient market structure and facilitate the marketing of grains, oilseeds, pulses, rice, livestock, meat, and poultry in domestic and international markets.
The Grain Inspection program serves American agriculture by providing descriptions (grades) and testing methodologies for measuring the quality and quantity of grain, rice, edible beans, and related commodities, and, by providing an array of inspection and weighing services, on a fee basis, through a unique partnership of Federal, State, and private laboratories. The P&S programs administer regulatory programs which promote fair business practices and a competitive marketing environment for livestock, meat, and poultry.
GIPSA's Mission
GIPSA's mission reflects the unique programs of which it is comprised: (1) to facilitate the marketing of grain, oilseeds, pulses, rice, and related commodities by establishing descriptive standards and terms; accurately and consistently certifying quality; providing for uniform official inspection and weighing; carrying out assigned regulatory and service responsibilities; and providing the framework for commodity quality improvement incentives to both domestic and foreign buyers; and, (2) to promote fair business practices and a competitive marketing environment for the marketing of livestock, meat, and poultry by fostering fair and open competition and guarding against deceptive and fraudulent practices affecting the movement and price of meat animals and their products; and protecting consumers and members of the livestock, meat, and poultry industries from unfair business practices which can unduly affect meat and poultry distribution and prices.
GIPSA Information:
United States Department of Agriculture
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration
P.O. Box 96454, Washington, D.C. 20090-6454
Telephone: (202) 720-5091
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