7-18 IAT Simpson Disagrees

 Walden and Simpson fighting on behalf of fruit and vegetable growers.

 Yesterday we carried the story about the FDA meeting with members of Congress and top officials at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to directly convey concerns they have heard from Oregon and Idaho onion farmers and fruit growers about new water quality rules that could cripple family farms nationwide. U.S. Rep. Greg Walden spokesperson, Andrew Malcom  gave us his  statement on behalf of Rep. Walden and expressed concern that placing unnecessary regulatory burdens on American farm families could drive them out of business. Today we hear from Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson’s spokesperson Nikki Watts on the same issue, not surprisingly since both Congressman put their press releases together, Congressman Simpson’s  comments do not differ dramatically from his colleague Rep. Walden:

 “Congressman SimpsonIt is very concerned about the impact the FDA’s proposed rule will have on Idaho agriculture. This is not the first time that the Obama administration has proposed rules without explanation. Both representatives are encouraging the FDA to listen to producers and their concerns.”

Many farmers have pointed out that the proposed rule lacks common sense and a crop-specific approach, resulting in many of the proposed provisions being unworkable in the field, literally speaking. Probably not the first time, nor the last, that Congressman Simpson and farmers will disagree with the current administration.