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Grain Warehouse Program

The Grain Warehouse Program aims to safeguard producers who store agricultural commodities in public warehouses. The program’s regulations are designed to guarantee that warehouse operators uphold the quantity and quality of grain stored for farmers and other depositors. The program licenses, inspects, and investigates grain warehouses on behalf of the producer.

 
Looking for a TDA-Licensed Grain Warehouse?

Click here for a list of grain warehouses licensed by TDA.

Licensing Requirements and Contact Information

Requirements To Apply:

  • Complete RGW-300.
  • The application, check/money order, and supporting documentation are mailed to:

Texas Department of Agriculture
PO Box 12076
Austin, TX 78711-2076

  • For details about the application and supporting documentation, click here.
  • Meet all requirements listed below.

Requirements To Renew:  

  • Pay renewal fees.
  • Meet all requirements listed below.

All public grain warehouses must:

  • Hold a license with the department.
    • Single facility- $500
    • Combination- $500(HQ) + $300*(# of Facilities)
      • Combination facilities must be within a 60 mile diameter of the HQ.
  • Carry insurance for the grain in, or that may be in, the facility for full market value.
    • Certified by RGW-302 by the agent, on behalf of the Grain warehouse.
  • Hold a current surety made payable to the state.
    • Bond, irrevocable letter of credit, CD, or cash may act as a surety.
      • Minimum of $35,000 or $.10/bushel, whichever is greater.
  • Annually submit reviewed financial statements.
    • Due 90 days after end of the business’ fiscal year.
  • Hold a minimum net worth of $200,000 or $.25 per bushel of capacity.
    • If deficient in net worth, a deficiency bond may make up the difference.
  • Provide access to facilities and the financials to inspectors and auditors.
 

Contact TDA

Call or email the Grain Warehouse program for additional specifics regarding licensing application, renewal, and requirements.

Tel: (512) 936-2430
Email: GrainWarehouse@texasagriculture.gov

Resources and Forms

Warehouse Industry Groups


Forms & Instructions  

Initial Application    
Application to Operate a Grain Warehouse RGW-300 instructions
Schedule A – Combination License – list multiple facilities RGW-301 instructions
Certificate of Insurance RGW-302 instructions
Irrevocable Assignment of Certificate of Deposit RGW-303 instructions
Public Grain Warehouse Operator Bond RGW-304 instructions
Change Capacity (Increase or Decrease)    
Application to Change Grain Warehouse Capacity RGW-310 instructions
Operator Bond Addendum (if needed) RGW-305 instructions
Change License Structure    
Application to Change License Structure RGW-307 instructions
Schedule G – To be used as an extension to Sections C and D 
of Form RGW-307 		RGW-308 instructions
Schedule H – To be used as an extension to Section G of RGW-307; 
used only when splitting a license into multiple combinations 		RGW-309 instructions
Change of Business Information    
Regulatory Change Template A R-001 instructions
Grain Claim    
Grain Claim Form RGW-359 instructions
Frequently Asked Questions

Does my operation require a TDA Grain Warehouse License?

A Grain Warehouse License is required to operate a grain elevator, or a business engaged in the operation of a public grain warehouse. “Public Grain Warehouse” means a building, bin, or similar structure located in this state and used for:

  • The storing of grain for hire (compensation or fee), shipping of grain for hire, or handling grain for hire; or
  • The purchase and selling of grain, including grain on which payment is deferred.

For a grain warehouse to be considered suitable for storing, shipping and handling grain, the building, bin, or structure used in a “Public Grain Warehouse” is required to:

  • Be suitable for properly storing, shipping, or handling grain that is stored in or expected to be stored in the warehouse;
  • Be weather-tight to always protect grain from the elements;
  • Be structurally sound and have adequate and safe access for inspection.


Am I exempt from getting a Public Grain Warehouse license?

The following operations are not required to obtain a TDA Public Grain Warehouse license:

  • A public grain warehouse licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or another federal agency.
  • An individual producer-owner who does not receive grain from others for storage or handling for hire.
  • A person who is in the business of selling or processing grain.
  • A person who receives grain with the intent of using the grain for planting seed or for feeding livestock on the premises where the grain is received.

If the operation makes changes such that any part of the operation no longer conforms to the exemptions above, the operator is required to obtain a Grain Warehouse license.


How long do I have to keep my records?

Maintain the following records:

Record type

Maintained

Maintenance Start Date

Receipts

3 years

Cancellation or expiration, whichever occurs first

Daily Position Reports (DPRs)

3 years

Completion of closeout inspection

Scale weight tickets

3 years

Date issued

Contracts

3 years

Date contract was fulfilled

Customer Settlement Sheets

3 years

Date of last entry

Fumigation records

2 years

Date of fumigation

Other required records

3 years

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How do I file a complaint on a Grain Warehouse?
Change in Capacity (Increase or Decrease)

Any change in total storage capacity may be approved after the following requirements are met.

  • The operator must submit a completed, signed, and notarized Form RGW-310, along with a check or money order for the inspection fee. The fee for an inspection to increase or decrease licensed storage capacity (including temporary storage) is $38.00 for each 10,000 bushels or a fraction of 10,000 bushels of the increase or decrease in storage capacity, or $200.00, whichever is greater.
  • The bond, insurance policy, and net worth minimum requirements apply to the new capacity. An additional bond, a new insurance policy and/or a net worth deficiency bond may be required as a condition of license approval.
  • A new financial statement may be needed if the location is separate or not part of the original facility.
  • An inspection by an authorized TDA employee must be completed to verify the capacity change.
  • Grain may not be stored in the new capacity until approved by the department. 
Noncompliance, Sealing, and Suspensions

When the department becomes aware of potential violations involving the storage and handling of grain or the possible insolvency of a public grain warehouse, TDA protects the interests of grain depositors by suspending operations to prevent further movement of farmer owned grain pending an investigation.

Investigations are conducted by TDA inspectors to measure grain in storage; verify accuracy of accounts for grain depositors, sellers and buyers; and analyze storage, handling and financial records to ensure that warehouse operators are in compliance with the state’s public grain warehouse laws and regulations.

For more information about the TDA Grain Warehouse Program and how it relates to grain producers, click here.
 
More information
 
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