Contact:  Quinton Robinson, 703-975-4466, quintonnrobinson@nffc.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 17, 2017

Washington, DC – The National Family Farm Coalition is frustrated and disgusted by USDA’s decision to pull the pending Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) rules designed to level the playing field for poultry and livestock producers. These rules have been languishing since the 2008 farm bill, and today’s action firmly places this administration on the side of large meatpackers and poultry processors, not family farmers.

After years of negotiation and analysis, the rule would have protected contract livestock growers from the retaliation they have suffered after exposing financial hardship and ruin caused by large-scale poultry companies and meatpackers. If there was any hope that Secretary Perdue and this administration would stand up for small- and medium-sized family farmers and the rural communities they support, that has been dashed now.

GIPSA’s statement may be read at https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2017-22593.pdf.