GIPSA: The Story Continues
April 18, 2016
By: Catherine Boudreau, Politico
April 18, 2016
GIPSA: THE STORY CONTINUES: It wouldn't be appropriations season without the prospect of controversial provisions, known as "riders," being attached to spending legislation. Sources tell Pro Ag they are looking for Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.) to offer an amendment to the USDA fiscal 2017 funding bill that would block the department's Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration from carrying out regulations designed to protect chicken growers who contract with processing companies that typically own the birds. The House Appropriations Committee meets Tuesday to markup the $21.3 billion fiscal 2017 spending measure.
It's unclear what version of a "GIPSA rider" that Harris, who hails from a state with a nearly $1 billion poultry industry, plans to introduce. Harris’ office couldn’t be reached for comment at press time. But here is your refresher on the issue: The 2008 farm bill directed GIPSA, which monitors the meat industry for fraudulent, deceptive and anticompetitive practices, to develop certain rules for poultry contracts. GIPSA hasn't been able to finalize all the regulations, including those protecting growers from retaliation if they speak out against their contract or processor, because of riders. That was until last year, when the fiscal 2016 appropriations bill left them out, allowing the agency to move forward with rules. And before it was approved, the issue gained national attention because HBO's show, "Last Week Tonight" hosted by comedian John Oliver, shamed lawmakers who supported GIPSA riders.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack during a March hearing in a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing signaled the department was reviewing the regulations and would like to get a proposal to the White House for review this spring and put it out for public comment by fall. Days later, long-time supporters of the GIPSA regulations Reps. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) and Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) signed on to a letter in support of such action.