Senate Ag Committee Passes Poultry Growers Protections
New Farm Program Would Include Voluntary Arbitration Provision
Washington DC - Senate Agriculture Committee on Thursday passed their version of a new farm law for the 2008-2012 crop years that would include key provisions for poultry growers. Among the changes, are amendments to the Packers and Stockyards Act and to the Agricultural Fair Pracrtices Act. The bill's livestock title will promote market opportunities for producers; it will protect animal health; and it will strengthen enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, according to Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA). He adds that this title strengthens the mandatory Country of Origin Labeling, with minor changes.
"After months of negotiations, we were able to work within a very strict budget allocation to complete our work and pass a farm bill that is good for agriculture, good for rural areas and good for the health of Americans," said Chairman Harkin. "Our Committee was able to use budget offsets and report a bill that makes major investments for the future and is still fiscally responsible. This is a forward-looking farm bill with greatly strengthened initiatives to support renewable energy, conservation, nutrition, rural development and to promote better diets and health for all Americans. It maintains a strong safety net for farm producers, and strengthens programs that will help agricultural producers of all kinds across our nation.
"I thank all Committee members for their cooperation in getting this bill passed and join them in looking forward to swift consideration on the Senate floor."
See the Key poultry provisions below and to watch the debate go to the Senate Ag Commitee website at
