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Grain Dealers

Arkansas Grain Dealers Program Overview

The Arkansas Grain Dealers Program, managed by the QCC Section of Plant Industries Division of the AR Department of Agriculture, ensures that entities buying grain from producers or licensed grain warehouses are properly licensed, bonded, and accountable, providing protection to grain sellers. This program exists under the authority of the Arkansas Grain Dealers Act, A.C.A. § 2-24-101 et seq.   

Anyone purchasing grain from an Arkansas producer or from a licensed grain warehouse for resale or merchandising purposes must hold a valid AR Grain Dealer License from this program, unless otherwise exempt under state law.

LIST OF LICENSED ARKANSAS GRAIN DEALERS

For questions, email [email protected] or call 501 219-6350.

GRAIN SLOW-PAY HOTLINE: (501) 219-6308 or email [email protected]

Arkansas Grain Dealer Licenses

Licenses are issued on the fiscal calendar-year basis, July 1 – June 30 of each year.

Renewal applications are due to this office no later than May 31 of each year.

  • WHO MUST OBTAIN A LICENSE:
    • Any person or business buying grain from an Arkansas producer or from a licensed grain warehouse for resale must hold a valid Arkansas Grain Dealers License, unless exempt under state law. Exemptions include:
      • State-licensed grain warehouses
      • Federally licensed grain warehouses
      • End users purchasing grain for their own personal use
  • APPLICATION PROCESS & FEES:
    • Forms for this program are located below.
    • Submit a “NEW GRAIN DEALER LICENSE APPLICATION PACKET,” providing $150.00 for the Licensing Fee.
    • For renewal applications, budget your operations accordingly, accounting for the licensing renewal fee, which is determined from your prior year’s grain purchase volume.

Arkansas Grain Dealer laws & Rules

  • STATUTORY BASIS:
    • The Arkansas Grain Dealers Act (A.C.A. § 2-24-101 et seq.) outlines the licensing, bonding, and reporting requirements for grain dealers.
  • GRAIN DEALER LICENSING:
    • Any person or business purchasing grain from Arkansas producers or licensed grain warehouses for resale must be licensed as an AR Grain Dealer, unless exempt under state law.
  • FINANCIAL ASSURANCE REQUIREMENTS:
    • Each grain dealer must maintain a bond, irrevocable letter of credit, or certificate of deposit in the amount required by the program’s Rules in Section III, which is based on the previous year’s grain purchase volume.
    • New dealers must provide a minimum surety of $50,000.
  • FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
    • New dealers must submit a beginning trial balance prepared by a CPA or RPA.
    • Existing dealers must submit an annual compilation statement (or greater), income and expense statement, schedule of notes payable, and statement of cash flows within 90 days of fiscal year-end.
  • RECORD-KEEPING & DEPARTMENT INSPECTION:
    • Grain dealers must retain all purchase, payment, and transaction records for a minimum of five (5) years.
    • The Department reserves the right to inspect or audit the books of any licensed grain dealer. Records must be available upon request.

DEPARTMENT RULES WEBPAGE

Please review the entire Act and associated Rules.

Grain Dealers Forms

New applications are accepted at any time; renewal applications are due to this office no later than May 31 of each year.

FORM SUBMISSION: Grain Dealer Program Forms may be submitted via email to [email protected] or via post mail to the Department of Agriculture.

  • Forms submitted via email: Payments to the program may be made using the online payment portal link below.
  • Forms submitted via post mail: Mail your check or money order with the associated form to the Department.

Arkansas Grain Dealers Program Fees

  • NEW APPLICATION FEE: $150.00 for newly organized companies; $250.00 for existing dealers.
  • RENEWAL FEES: Based on previous licensing year’s Arkansas grain purchase volume. Refer to Rules Section IV.
  • SURETY AMOUNT: May change annually per purchase volume. Refer to Rules Section III.

ONLINE PAYMENT PORTAL

Online Payment Portal Instructions:

Complete all fields in the payment portal, ensuring your name matches the name on your submitted application. Make sure no information is left blank.

When prompted to search for a product, search for “GRAIN DEALER.”

Select the product line needed, either for NEW applicants or RENEWING applicants: “PUBLIC GRAIN DEALER LICENSE RENEWAL” or “PUBLIC GRAIN DEALER LICENSE (NEW)”

Locate the proper renewal fee line for your calculated renewal amount, changing the quantity amount to get to your calculated total.

Scroll to the bottom of the page, click “update,” and verify the Total Amount.

Click “Pay” and enter your Card/Billing Information. 

Retain the payment confirmation information with your files. You may be asked to provide a Receipt or Confirmation Number.

ENFORCEMENT, PENALTIES, & VIOLATIONS

The AR Grain Dealers Program is managed by the QCC Section at the AR Department of Agriculture. The Department is responsible for enforcing licensing, bonding, recordkeeping, reporting, and financial obligations. The Department may conduct audits, inspections, and verify compliance with statutory requirements.

  • Operating without a license, knowingly and intentionally violating the law, or refusing inspection: Class D Felony
  • Negligent violations: Class A misdemeanor
  • Civil fines up to $1,000 per violation; unpaid fines recoverable in court.
  • Immediate license suspension may occur when public welfare is at risk or for bond/inspection noncompliance; hearings held within ten (10) days (or five (5) days in specific cases).
  • Cease-and-Desist: the Department may order cessation of illegal activities.

RESOURCES

GRAIN DEALERS RESOURCES: