Distribution: FGIS, OSP, Grain Industry Originating Office: FMD, PPMAB
United States Department of Agriculture
Agricultural Marketing Service
Federal Grain Inspection Service
Program Handbook October 2020
Grain Inspection Handbook – Book II Grain Grading Procedures
Foreword
The effectiveness of the official U.S. grain inspection system depends largely on an
inspector’s ability to sample, inspect, grade, and certify the various grains for which
standards have been established under the United States Grain Standards Act
(USGSA), as amended. In view of this fact, the Federal Grain Inspection Service
(FGIS) published the Grain Inspection Handbook.
Book II, Grain Grading Procedures, sets forth the policies and procedures for grading
grain in accordance with the Official United States Standards for Grain. The
information contained in this handbook is applicable to official grain inspection
services performed by FGIS, delegated State agencies, and designed State and
private agencies. Persons interested in obtaining official services may contact any
FGIS field office or official agency.
Trade names are used solely to provide specific information. The mention of trade
names does not constitute a guarantee or warranty of the product by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) or an endorsement by the Department over other
products not mentioned.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and
policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, and employees and institutions participating in or administering USDA
programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity
(including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived
from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program
or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing
deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large
print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible agency or USDA’s TARGET Center
at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027,
found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint
and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed
to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint
form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC
20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email:
program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.