Just Rambling: The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (“GIPSA”) proposals were thoroughly discussed during a workshop called by Dr. Mike Strain, Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry, on October 28, 2010. The workshop was presented by The National Agriculture Law Center located within the University of Arkansas School of Law. The goal of this workshop was to inform producers and others about the proposed regulations concerning the livestock, meat, and poultry industries in an unbiased manner. The workshop not only focused on the proposed regulations but also on their background, what is GIPSA, and how members of the public could participate in the rulemaking process. Four attorneys from the Law Center did an excellent job presenting these proposals and fielding questions from those in attendance. Going into this workshop I was firm in my belief that these proposals should become regulations to govern the livestock, meat, and poultry industries but my feelings changed somewhat as a result of this meeting. A number of questions were asked concerning the effect of the enactment of these proposals on the cattle and poultry business. This team of attorneys were able to answer many of the questions but some were asked that they could not answer due to the vagueness of these proposals as written. Even though I would like to see more regulation to help the poultry business I now believe that more in-depth analysis of these proposals should be completed before any are made permanent regulations. According to these attorneys, GIPSA is attempting to acquire more oversight over large packers/packer buyers, but this could have a somewhat devastating effect on small packers/packer buyers. Instead of fostering more competition in the cattle business it may actually limit competition depending upon interpretation of these proposals, after enactment. There are many points throughout the proposals that could really level the playing field for poultry growers. A few of these are specifically prohibiting unfair, unjust, or deceptive practices along with acts of retaliation against the grower by the integrator; when capital expenditures over $25,000 are required the integrator must provide sufficient length of contract to repay 80 % of this capital investment; and when considering the tournament system of pay for broiler growers all growers raising the same type and kind of poultry must receive the same base pay. These points along with many others throughout the body of these proposals appear to have the potential to really benefit contract poultry growers depending on how they are interpreted and enacted after approval. Interpretation of these proposals, if enacted, is now what concerns me. I would prefer to see a clearer interpretation of how these proposals will affect the cattle, swine, and poultry industries now rather than wait until after they become regulation and possibly be surprised or disappointed with the interpretation coming from GIPSA personnel. Remember: You can comment on these proposals until November 22, 2010, comments must be received on or before this date for them to be considered. You may make comments the following ways
Email: comments.gipsa@usda.gov
Mail: Tess Butler, GIPSA, USDA,
1400 Independence Av, SW, Room 1643-S,
Washington, DC 20250-3604
Fax: 202-690-2173
Also Remember: This is not an up or down vote which means parts of these proposals could be approved and parts could be defeated. The most important thing to remember is to make your voice heard by sending in comments.