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On Nov. 2, the Surface Transportation Board will hold a public hearing to discuss issues related to moving grain via rail.

Last week, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on freight-rail rates, competition and capacity, which stated grain rates have diverged from a rail industry trend of gradually falling rates since 1980’s Staggers Act, the board said.

“The hearing will serve as a forum for interested persons to provide views and information about the market conditions that led to GAO’s observations, and about grain transportation markets in general,” STB officials said in a prepared statement.

Because U.S. grain producers compete in the North American and global marketplaces, board members also are seeking feedback on the interplay between the American and Canadian wheat markets, how the Canadian regulatory system differs from the U.S.’ system and what impact those differences might have on American grain production.