Mixed reaction to USDA’s announcement that they are withdrawing the controversial Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyard Administration (GIPSA) interim final rule, better known as GIPSA.
The news was welcome by big trade associations like the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (read below), but not with R-Calf USA ‘s Bill Bullard, listen here:
“This is a victory for America’s cattle and beef producers – and it’s a victory for America’s consumers. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue deserves a great deal of thanks and credit for this smart decision, stated Colin Woodall, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Senior Vice President, Government Affairs. “The proposed rule would have crippled cattle producers’ ability to market their products through the value-added programs that help make American-produced beef the most delicious and nutritious in the world. This is a decision worthy of celebrating this evening with a top-quality steak.”
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall:
“The Agriculture Department has withdrawn the livestock portion of the GIPSA rule and will continue to work on poultry fair practice issues in a future rulemaking. This is good news for farmers and ranchers.
“We thank Secretary Perdue for his diligent efforts on these rules. The livestock Scope rule would have disrupted key marketing arrangements in our livestock sectors.
“As to the Unfair and Undue Preferences rule, we encourage the agency to continue to work toward solutions that protect our farmers and ranchers from unjust practices and strengthen GIPSA’s ability to enforce these issues. In particular, we urge the department to continue working to achieve more fairness for growers. The USDA can and should stop predatory practices that continue in the chicken industry.
“We look forward to working with the administration on specific measures that will ensure our growers operate in competitive markets – markets that do not include unfair, deceptive or discriminatory practices.”
