The U.S. House Appropriations Committee has passed a spending bill without a rider prohibiting funding for the implementation of regulations ensuring fairness in marketing for the nation’s family farmers and ranchers. The move won the praise of National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson.
“It’s wonderful that after all of these years, key regulations overseen by the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyard Administration (GIPSA) will finally be funded,” said Johnson.
Johnson’s comments were made after the House Appropriations Committee passed an agriculture appropriations bill that – for the first time in years – did not include a rider precluding funding for key changes to GIPSA regulations adopted in the 2008 Farm Bill.
“Funding these protections will ensure adequate notice of termination of contract and recourse from retaliation and are essential to ensuring farmers and growers have fair and equitable conditions in a marketplace characterized by increased concentration,” said Johnson.
The NFU was especially thankful to singer Willie Nelson and Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, who highlighted the unfairness in contracts faced by poultry growers.
“They are both to be commended as true friends of family farmers and ranchers and real crusaders for fairness and respect in the workplace,” said Johnson.