Utilization of Alternates for Membership on the FGIS Advisory Committee

Background:

Recently, the FGIS Advisory Committee was unable to move forward any recommendations for

consideration due to not having a quorum present for the meeting. Without a quorum, the 

committee cannot carry out its mission as states in the United States Grain Standards Act and the 

Regulations (see attached). Utilization of alternates would allow the committee to advise the 

Secretary as required.

The use of alternate member has been done in the past.

Recommendation:

Appointment of alternate members to the advisory committee as shown below would allow such 

action. This could be done either during the next reauthorization or the Next Farm Bill.

§87j. Advisory committee

(a) Establishment; number and terms of members

Not later than ninety days after October 24, 1988, the Secretary shall establish an advisory 

committee to provide advice to the Secretary with respect to implementation of this chapter 

consistent with the declarations of policy in section 74 of this title. The advisory committee shall 

consist of fifteen members, appointed by the Secretary, who represent the interests of all 

segments of the grain producing, processing, storing, merchandising, consuming, and exporting 

industries, including grain inspection and weighing agencies and scientists with expertise in 

research related to the policies established in section 74 of this title. 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 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. Alternate members for 

each industry segment referenced above shall be appointed to serve when their industry segment 

representative is unable to perform the necessary duties and at the termination of a member's 

term, if a new member has not been appointed. If a new member is not available at the end of a 

term the current member or the current alternate shall continue to serve until a new member is 

appointed. 

(b) Federal Advisory Committee Act as governing

The advisory committee shall be governed by the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee 

Act [5 U.S.C. App.]. 

( c) Clerical assistance and staff personnel

The Secretary shall provide the advisory committee with necessary clerical assistance and staff 

personnel. 

(d) Compensation and travel expenses
Members of the advisory committee shall serve without compensation, if not otherwise officers 

or employees of the United States, except that member shall, while away from their homes or 

regular places of business in the performance of services under this chapter, be allowed travel 

expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized under section 5703 of title 5. 

(e) Expiration of Secretary's authority

The authority provided to the Secretary for the establishment and maintenance of an advisory 

committee under this section shall expire on September 30, 2025.