About AAGIWA
American Association of Grain Inspection and Weighing Agencies
The American Association of Grain Inspection and Weighing Agencies (AAGIWA) is the national association representing official grain inspection and weighing agencies across the United States.
AAGIWA members provide independent, official inspection and weighing services that help ensure confidence in grain transactions throughout the domestic and international marketplace. By delivering accurate, consistent, and reliable measurements of grain quality and quantity, official agencies play a vital role in supporting the integrity of the U.S. grain marketing system.
The National Grain Inspection and Weighing System
AAGIWA members are part of the national grain inspection and weighing system administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS). This official system provides grain buyers and sellers with trusted, impartial information used to facilitate fair and efficient commerce.
Why the Official System Matters
Consistency
Official inspections are conducted using established standards, standardized procedures, approved methodologies, and calibrated equipment to ensure uniform results across the industry.
Verifiable Accuracy
The work of official personnel is supported by rigorous quality assurance programs, ongoing oversight, and technical expertise provided by FGIS.
Comprehensive Information
Official inspections provide valuable information regarding grain quality, condition, safety, and end-use characteristics, helping customers make informed decisions.
Responsiveness
The official system continuously evolves to meet industry needs through the development of new testing methods, technologies, and procedures.
Professionalism and Integrity
Official personnel undergo extensive training, certification, proficiency testing, and continuing education to maintain the highest professional standards.
Credibility
Official inspection certificates are relied upon by grain producers, handlers, processors, exporters, and domestic and international buyers as trusted documentation of grain quality and condition.
Serving the U.S. Grain Industry
Official agencies provide a wide range of inspection, weighing, sampling, and laboratory services to support grain marketing and movement throughout the supply chain.
The most common service is official sample-lot inspection. During this process, a licensed sampler obtains a representative grain sample, which is then analyzed by a licensed inspector in an FGIS-approved laboratory. Many agencies also offer on-site inspection and testing services to provide customers with timely results.
Official agencies also offer submitted sample inspections, allowing producers and grain handlers to submit grain samples directly for official analysis. Additional testing services often include end-use quality characteristics such as protein, oil, starch, and other performance-related factors.
Common Testing and Analytical Services
Wheat
Protein content
Insect-damaged kernels
Falling Number analysis
Vomitoxin (DON)
Soybeans
Protein content
Oil content
Corn
Protein, oil, and starch analysis
Stress crack analysis
Mycotoxin testing, including:
Aflatoxin
Fumonisin
Vomitoxin (DON)
Zearalenone
Many official agencies also provide specialized testing and analytical services tailored to regional crops, customer requirements, and market needs.
Accuracy. Consistency. Confidence.
Accurate and repeatable grain quality and quantity measurements help ensure that grain transactions are conducted fairly and transparently, providing confidence for all parties involved in the marketplace.
Official Agency Geographic Areas
View a map of official agency service territories and FGIS field office locations.
Under the U.S. Grain Standards Act, only USDA-designated or delegated official agencies—and FGIS or its authorized contractors at export locations—may issue official inspection certificates. Certificates issued by other entities are not considered official inspections under federal law.