NFU Commends Appropriations Committee for not Including GIPSA Defunding Rider
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2015
Contact: Dave Ray, 202-368-7872
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NFU Commends Appropriations Committee for not Including GIPSA Defunding Rider;
Thanks Singer Willie Nelson, Rep. March Kaptur for Highlighting Issue
WASHINGTON (July 8, 2015) – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson today commended the U.S. House Appropriations Committee for passing a spending bill that did not include a rider prohibiting funding for implementation of regulations ensuring fairness in marketing for the nation’s family farmers and ranchers.
“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.
Johnson also extended his sincere thanks to popular singer Willie Nelson and Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, who, prior to today’s proceedings, highlighted the unfairness in contracts faced by poultry growers in yesterday’s Washington Post.
“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.
National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.
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