7/28/2010 2:10:00 PM GIPSA comment period extended
USDA has announced a 90-day extension to the comment period on the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) "undue preferences rule" that would place certain restrictions on how livestock are marketed. The proposal published June 22, 2010, with a 60-day comment period.
As a result of the extension, comments will now be due by November 22, 2010.
In announcing the extension, USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Edward Avalos acknowledged that the department felt it was necessary to give stakeholders and producers the extra opportunity to comment on the proposed rule.
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association, the National Pork Producers Council and other livestock interests had asked for a 120 day extension. NCBA's Colin Woodall, says while they would have preferred a 120 day extension, "they're pleased that that stakeholders will have some additional time to further analyze (the) complex rule and its potential implications on the beef sector."
National Farmers Union President, Roger Johnson, says the USDA has placed the livestock and poultry industries ahead of producers in its decision to extend the deadline.
NFU President Roger Johnson wrote to Ag Secretary Vilsack last week saying that by extending the comment period into the fall calf season, packers will have leverage to, in his words, "offer lower prices to producers as a fear mechanism" as Johnson says has been seen in the past with rules such as Country of Origin Labeling (COOL). Johnson says, "reports of lower prices to producers from packers have already begun."
Johnson says the 2008 Farm Bill clearly states that the rule was to be completed by June 18th, over a month ago.
