USDA withdraws GIPSA interim final rule

USDA’s Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) announced Oct. 17 it is withdrawing its interim final rule regarding proof of harm standards under the Packers and Stockyards Act. The interim final rule would have broadened the scope of the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 related to using “unfair, unjustly discriminatory or deceptive practices” and to giving “undue or unreasonable preferences or advantages.”
Read more about the rule at Drovers CattleNetwork
Click or tap here to read the Federal Register official withdrawal.
Conaway, Rouzer Praise Withdrawal of Controversial Rules
House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway, Texas Dist. 11, and Livestock and Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee Chairman David Rouzer, North Carolina, Dist. 07, applauded the decision to withdraw the rule and take no further action on a complementary proposed rule.
“Today’s decision helps restore both Congressional intent and common sense by ensuring American producers have the freedom to market their products without the threat of frivolous lawsuits,” said Conaway.
“Excessive regulations with questionable legal backing ultimately lead to a wave of lawsuits and to years of litigation. The withdraw of the GIPSA rule brings years of regulatory uncertainty in our livestock, poultry and packing industries to an end,” said Rouzer.
Click or tap here to read their full statements.
NCBA on GIPSA Rule Withdrawal: “Victory for Cattle Producers and Consumers”
Colin Woodall, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association‘s Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, released the following statement in response to USDA’s decision to withdraw its controversial Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyard Administration (GIPSA) interim final rule:
“This is a victory for America’s cattle and beef producers – and it’s a victory for America’s consumers. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue deserves a great deal of thanks and credit for this smart decision. The proposed rule would have crippled cattle producers’ ability to market their products through the value-added programs that help make American-produced beef the most delicious and nutritious in the world. This is a decision worthy of celebrating this evening with a top-quality steak.”