Rep. Costa Applauds USDA Decision To Extend Comment Period For Farm Bill Proposed Rule

Proposed rulewould impact Valley meat producers and processors

Washington, D.C. – Following Congressman Jim Costa's request, the USDA Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) announced its decision to extend the comment period for a proposed rule that would impact the way Valley meat producers and processors do business. In a House Agriculture Committee hearing on July 20th, Costa blasted the proposed rule, stating that it contains provisions far beyond what was mandated in the Farm Bill and has the potential to negatively impact Valley industry.

"I am pleased that the USDA has responded to our calls to extend the comment period for this proposed rule" said Costa. "The Administration must listen to our farmers and ranchers to understand the devastating impact this rule could have and make the changes necessary to protect our Valley's livestock industry."

GIPSA published the proposed rule in theFederal Register on June 22, 2010. The Agency proposed adding severalnew sections to the regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921,as amended and supplemented.

GIPSAwill consider comments received by November 22, 2010. Comments may besubmitted via e-mail to \n comments.gipsa@usda.govThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ;hard copy via mail, hand delivery, or courier to Tess Butler, GIPSA, USDA, 1400Independence Avenue, SW, Room 1643–S, Washington, DC 20250–3604; fax to (202)690–2173; or via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov.