Grassley Comments on Final Rules to Help Address Ag Competition

Senator Chuck Grassley made the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture released interim final rules to increase competitiveness in the livestock and poultry industry. Grassley fought to ensure competition was addressed in the 2008 farm bill, which required the proposed rules.  A family farmer himself, Grassley has led the congressional effort to address unfair practices, monopsony and vertical integration in agriculture.
 
“For too many years these rules have been stymied by appropriations riders.  Now we’re finally seeing some results of the 2008 farm bill, while weaker than I had hoped, it appears to be a step in the right direction in addressing the unprecedented level of concentration in agriculture that is putting independent producers at a disadvantage.  I’ve heard loud and clear from Iowa cattlemen over the last several months about the power packers continue to exercise to the detriment of independent livestock operators.  
 
“The farmer fair practices rules enjoy bipartisan support in Congress, I’m glad Secretary Vilsack has finally been able to take action which will help level the playing field for small producers in rural America.”

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