Farm Bureau favors executive order

Farm Bureau favors executive order

Maura Bennett
Maura Bennett

An executive order signed by President Biden is getting favorable remarks from the American Farm Bureau Federation and may level the playing field for many farmers and ranchers in the Southeast.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said of the order, “More opportunities for farmers and ranchers to sell their products will ensure they are paid fairly while providing more options for America’s families.”

The order includes changes designed to end anti-competitive practices in agriculture. It directs the USDA to take immediate steps that Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says it is ready to take.

Vilsack: “ One of which is to strengthen our Packer and Stockyards Act so that we are able to identify when there are unfair practices or discriminatory practices or circumstances where farmers and producers are not getting a fair shake from the market.

The order also changes the "Right to Repair '' issue that forces producers to pay manufacturers high prices for tractor repairs.

The much-disputed country of origin labeling will also change.

Vilsack: “ To make sure that there’s an understanding and to make sure that we’re not misleading consumers. We’re going to take a comprehensive review of how that label is currently being used and try to figure out ways to provide consumers with greater confidence in knowing what that label means when it’s voluntarily attached to a product we have inspection responsibilities for

The Agriculture Department is also ordered to find ways to increase market access and fair returns for farmers.

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