AMS quality standards, grading, certification, auditing, and inspection are voluntary tools and services that industry can use to help promote and communicate quality and wholesomeness to consumers. These services assist businesses in differentiating themselves from their competition. 

Examples of USDA grades include USDA Prime, USDA Grade A, and U.S. No. 1. Annually, AMS grades, audits, certifies and/or inspects over $150 billion worth of agricultural products, ensuring the quality of domestic goods and helping American farms and businesses export goods.