Commodity warehousing and distribution
Get authorized to store and deal cotton, grain, and other agricultural commodities
The Louisiana Agricultural Commodities Commission (LACC) regulates the following commodities for Louisiana warehouses, cotton merchants, and grain dealers:
Cotton
Rye
Soybeans
Barley
Grain sorghum
Corn
Wheat
Oats
Anything else the commission declares to be an agricultural commodity
See information on grain grading and sampling .
Types of licenses & certifications
This at-a-glance comparison tells you which license(s) you might need.
What you want to do | Type of license needed |
|---|---|
Operate a warehouse that stores agricultural commodities | |
Purchase agricultural commodities from farmers or represent farmers in the sale of agricultural commodities | |
Purchase or contract to purchase cottonCotton merchant license | |
Get certified as a grain sampler or grader |
Prior to issuing licenses, the LACC carefully reviews the person or entity’s financial statements for financial stability to assure the Louisiana farmer payment for his product.
Requirements to stay compliant
Dates
License applications are due on April 30. (Subject to a late fee of $50/day.)
All other supporting forms and/or documentation for warehouse, grain dealer, and cotton merchant licenses may be submitted between July 1 - June 30.
Assessments
Turn in monthly assessment forms by the 15 th for the prior month’s assessments, whether there were purchases or not. Make payments in separate checks: GCIF and Monthly Assessment Report on one check and Promotion Assessments on a separate check.
Grounds for not issuing a license
LACC may refuse to issue a license to any applicant if it finds any of the following:
The warehouse is not suitable for the storage of agricultural commodities.
The applicant cannot demonstrate a net worth of at least one hundred thousand dollars.
The applicant is incompetent to conduct such a business.
There is any other sufficient reason for not issuing a warehouse, cotton merchant, or grain dealer license.
Seizure
Your facilities might be reviewed and seized if you:
Don't have sufficient commodities to cover outstanding warehouse receipts and scale tickets marked for storage
Don't have sufficient funds to operate your business and are in imminent danger of being unable to continue to operate your business
Are unable to fulfill your obligations to farmers
Refuse to submit to a lawful inspection or audit ordered by the Commission
Licensed warehouses and distributors
Warehouse dealer merchant list 2023-2024
List of licensed grain dealers, cotton merchants, and commodity warehouses
Licenses and certifications
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In accordance with Louisiana law, if you are a person or entity operating a warehouse in which agricultural commodities are stored for the public for a fee, you will need a Warehouse License.
Before you apply
Obtain a Property Insurance Certificate, if applicable
Obtain a form of security (see section I of the LACC license application)
Apply for a Self-Insurance Fund or meet the Bond Requirement
Complete and notarize a Certificate of CEO
Obtain Signature Cards
Obtain a Copy of Scale Ticket
Complete an Audited Financial Statement
Other documents
To apply
Complete and mail the application .
If you are a person or entity that purchases agricultural commodities from Louisiana farmers or represents Louisiana farmers in the sale of agricultural commodities, you need a Grain Dealer License.
Before you apply
Obtain a Property Insurance Certificate, if applicable
Obtain a form of security (see section I of the LACC license application)
Apply for a Self-Insurance Fund or meet the Bond Requirement
Complete and notarize a Certificate of CEO
Obtain Signature Cards
Complete an Audited Financial Statement
Other documents
To apply
Complete and mail the application .
If you are a person or entity that purchases or contracts to purchase cotton grown by farmers in the state, you need a Cotton Merchant License.
Before you apply
Obtain a Property Insurance Certificate, if applicable
Obtain a form of security (see section I of the LACC license application)
Apply for a Self-Insurance Fund or meet the Bond Requirement
Complete and notarize a Certificate of CEO
Obtain Signature Cards
Obtain a Copy of Scale Ticket
Complete an Audited Financial Statement
Other documents
To apply
Complete and mail the application .
Grains grown in Louisiana are sampled and graded in accordance with the grain inspection standards established in the United States Grain Standards Act .
There are two sampling methods:
Probe method: after the carrier has been loaded
On-line sampling: as the carrier is being loaded
LDAF inspectors or LDAF-certified grain samplers and graders take samples from a variety of storage units, including barges, railcars, trucks, and warehouses. Samples are then graded by a variety of factors such as color, damage, amount of foreign material, and odor. Upon completion of the grading, the grain samplers issue inspection certificates.
To apply for or renew your certification as a grain sampler / grader, please complete and submit the application below.
For more information regarding training courses for grain sampling and grading, please contact the Louisiana Agricultural Commodities Commission.
Contact info
Contact info
Related links