Statement by Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, Regarding USDA Final Rule to Improve Transparency and Equity in Poultry Market
WASHINGTON, D.C., December 2, 2009 – “The American Farm Bureau Federation welcomes the news announced today that the Agriculture Department will publish a final rule tomorrow that will increase fairness and equity for poultry producers.
“We appreciate the leadership of Secretary Vilsack and the support of USDA for these new regulations that will ensure greater market fairness and transparency for America’s poultry producers. These rules are vital for helping poultry producers make sound business decisions that will protect their livelihoods. The rules ensure that producers will receive a true written copy of a poultry-growing arrangement in a timely manner. The rules provide much needed legal protection, fairness and open communication for poultry producers when dealing with poultry dealers who buy their chickens.
“These new regulations require a written ‘growout’ contract to be delivered at the same time as poultry building specifications are delivered. This is a most needed and welcome change. In addition, new rules also allow poultry producers to discuss the written contract with lenders, accountants and attorneys before executing the contract. Thanks to the support of USDA, poultry producers can now be sure they more fully comprehend a contract that represents a very sizable investment. A producer who understands the content of the contract will be a producer better able to satisfy the contract’s terms, which is positive for both the producer and the contractor.”
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| Contacts: | Tracy Taylor Grondine (202) 406-3642 tracyg@fb.org |
John Hart (202) 406-3659 johnh@fb.org |
