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WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today welcomed Brandon Wipf, a soybean farmer from Huron, South Dakota, to testify on the importance of reauthorizing the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) at a Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Nutrition hearing entitled, “Perspectives on Reauthorization of the U.S. Grain Standards Act.” The FGIS establishes and maintains the official marketing standards for grains and oilseeds, supporting U.S. agriculture products in foreign markets.

On promoting U.S. agriculture products on the world stage:

“I appreciate the chance, as always, to serve on this committee and to advocate on behalf of South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers. And production agriculture is so important to our state. It’s our number one industry, and we’re very blessed to have people represent it like Brandon Wipf. Nice to have you here … and thanks for … making the trip out to D.C. and representing our state’s soybean growers.”

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“I think we all recognize the importance of promoting U.S. agriculture on the world stage, which is why we must use every available tool to facilitate international trade, to support farmers, grain processors, and exporters. And as the United States engages and continues to engage in negotiations with our trading partners, we need to ensure that U.S. grains are seen as a reliable and high quality product by foreign buyers, and the Federal Grain Inspection Service works to maintain these standards so that our grain remains a reliable purchasing option. So Mr. Wipf, could you maybe just explain, in your view, what impact on soybean markets in South Dakota and across the country would happen if the Grain Standards Act is allowed to expire?”

On removing uncertainty for agriculture producers:

“[B]y providing impartial inspections and weighing services, FGIS has created a transparent, trustworthy system. I think we all agree with that. That system reduces the chances of price disparity and eliminates quality discrepancies. So, how have … you seen the Federal Grain Inspection Service contribute to global grain price discovery, and what would be the potential consequences for international markets if FGIS services lapsed?”