McPHERSON—Donn Teske, president of Kansas Farmers Union, said “The USDA has just came under EXTREME pressure to put the GIPSA debate behind them and to let things be. It is going to happen soon if actions aren’t taken to demand progressive action on the act.”
“I don’t do this often but this is a unique situation. I am asking concerned people in Kansas to call NOW to Washington D.C., especially your congressperson and your Senators, asking for support and enforcement of GIPSA,” Teske said.
GIPSA (Grain Inspection Packer and Stockyard Act) was enacted 90 years ago to protect producers and also consumers. Current efforts to clarify the act are now under intense fire.
Here is a portion of an op-ed by National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson; What does the GIPSA rule, so demonized by packers and processors, actually do?
It protects the basic rights of family farmers. It ensures farmers are able to have their contracts reviewed by an attorney or financial specialist so they know they’re not being cheated, and it protects farmers who speak out against unfair practices from retaliation from packers and processors. It allows a poultry farmer, previously denied the opportunity to watch his chickens being weighed after purchase, to make sure the weights recorded are accurate. Hog farmers who were kept in the dark about each others’ contracting agreements could compare their contracts and other vital documents to make sure they are being treated fairly.
These are common-sense rights that small-business owners in other sectors currently enjoy.
Any critic who claims the proposed GIPSA rule is “regulatory overreach” that will “kill jobs” does not have farmers, ranchers and consumers’ interests in mind. Farmers, ranchers and consumers overwhelmingly support the Rule, as do the two largest general farm organizations in the country (National Farmers Union being one of them).
“Please make the extra effort to follow through on this request. The majority of the producers in the country want this, and need this, yet are fighting tremendous pressure from corporate interests. In beef, this is what will help make a more transparent price reporting on the open market,” Teske said.
For D.C. contact information, visit our website at www.kansasfarmersunion.org or call 620-241-6630.
