The ag spending measure approved by the House Appropriations Committee includes language that would prevent USDA from implementing the so-called GIPSA rule. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Pork Producers Council and National Turkey Federation praised the move. The legislation to fund USDA, FDA and related agencies for fiscal year 2012 denies money for GIPSA to promulgate the proposed livestock and marketing regulation. NCBA President Bill Donald says this will prevent government intervention into the private marketplace. According to Donald – the marketplace works well without government intrusion.

National Turkey Federation Secretary-Treasurer John Burkel says the GIPSA rule affects all farmers and ranchers – limiting their ability to enter into marketing agreements. He adds it would result in job losses – and commends the Appropriations Committee for putting the brakes on the rule. NPPC President Doug Wolf says the committee’s action will give livestock and poultry producers a much-needed timeout on the GIPSA rule and prompt USDA to write a regulation that’s consistent with what Congress asked it to do.