USDA to Move Forward with GIPSA Proposals

USDA to Move Forward with GIPSA Proposals

On Friday, USDA sent a letter to multiple meat and livestock organizations stating that they will be moving forward on their Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Act or GIPSA as an interim final rule and two proposed rules. According to both the National Pork Producers Council and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association news releases, these rules at were first proposed in the 2008 Farm Bill went well beyond the congressional mandates of the Farm Bill and would have a very negative effect on the livestock industry.
Field reporter Susan Allen shares more details
Allen: “Despite the fact that in 2010 when the proposed rule making began, it was quickly defunded by Congress which recognized the proposals as flawed concepts that would limit producers marketing options while adding layers of bureaucracy as well as opening the door to litigation. NCBA President Tracy Brunner says these provisions were troubling in 2010 and remain a major concern six years later. He adds that that GIPSA rules are another government solution in search of a problem.”
Brunner also says these rules would would limit producer marketing options, compel buyers to offer bid prices across the board to avoid the appearance and preference and create an environment ripe for baseless legal challenge.
Once published in the Federal Register, USDA has stated that there will be additional opportunity for public comment on all the rules. NCBA is requesting USDA immediately withdraw the GIPSA rules and work with the livestock industry to address the Administration’s concerns with livestock marketing.

 

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