Agricultural News
AFBF Breaks Silence on GIPSA Proposed Marketing Rule- NCBA is Worried
Thu, 09 Jun 2011 5:21:37 CDT
The fiscal year 2012 agricultural appropriations bill contains language blocking funding for USDA's Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration to implement new rules governing livestock and poultry marketing practices. This measure passed the full Appropriations Committee last week and is set for consideration on the floor of the House next week.
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) backed an effort by Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, to strike the defunding provision, drawing the wrath of the National Cattlemen s Beef Association.
In an email "call to action" to its membership, NCBA said it was "very concerned" that AFBF supports allowing the proposed GIPSA rule, "which would jeopardize the U.S. cattle industry," to move forward. The largest U.S. cattle group encouraged members to call their state Farm Bureau affiliate as well as AFBF to urge them to reverse their position on the GIPSA proposal.
We have an audio overivew of the NCBA's concerns about the Farm Bureau's support for the GIPSA rule- you can hear that by clicking on the LISTEN BAR at the bottom of this story.
The Farm Bureau, in their letter to Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, said that "our only interest is the impact of this rule on farmers and ranchers. Because of this unique position, there are several provisions in this rule we strongly support, while others give us pause."
The letter, signed by AFBF President Bob Stallman, concludes by stating "We oppose language to preclude USDA from reviewing the comments and completing their economic analysis and are strongly opposed to any action that would stop work on that rule."
The NCBA says they are concerned that the Marcy Kaptur amendment might resurface during the House floor action on the measure this coming week. While Rep. Kaptur's amendment was ultimately withdrawn, it could resurface during debate in the full House of Representatives. In their call to action, they tell members "NCBA needs your help to ensure all members of Congress understand supporting any attempt to strike the current defunding language for the GIPSA rule is a position on the side of big government. "
Click here to read the full letter sent by AFBF to Congresswoman Kaptur.
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