A new federal action plan announced this week should help make livestock markets fair.
The White House this week announced an Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain.
Some of the key points from the Jan. 3 announcement include the dedication of $1 billion of American Rescue Fund money for the expansion of independent processing capacity. Also announced is a hotline at the Department of Justice for the public to report concerns about potential violations of the competition laws. Lastly, the administration hopes to work in various ways to increase transparency in the marketplace, including aspects of legislation that American Farm Bureau supports.
“The idea is that more independent processing and greater transparency in the marketplace should lead to a market that is fair to all players, certainly those that raise and sell the livestock,” said Scott Bennett, American Farm Bureau Federation congressional relations director. “AFBF plans to work with this administration in efforts that help us reach this goal.”
Bennett added the action plan would fit well with a cattle contract library, which American Farm Bureau supports.
“While the announcement doesn’t directly pertain to the cattle contract library, this announcement should provide some tailwinds for efforts like these,” Bennett said. “The cattle contract library and the efforts announced would work well together in the marketplace, so we hope to see that come to fruition as soon as possible.”
USDA is providing $60 million in support and funding opportunities for small and mid-sized meat processors across the country. Apply by Aug. 7.
Read More
Introduced by Rep. Sarah Fowler Arthur (R-Ashtabula) and Rep. David Thomas (R-Jefferson), the bill would add trees cultivated for maple syrup production to Ohio’s statutory definition of agriculture.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau shared members’ concerns about the rapid growth of data centers across the state and the long-term impacts on agriculture and rural communities.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau testified in support of House Bill 773, legislation that would allow Ohio Turnpike travel plazas to offer E15.
Read More
EPA released new guidance allowing diesel equipment manufacturers to move away from traditional DEF quality sensors and use alternative technologies, such as nitrous oxide sensors.
Read More
House Bill 646 would establish a Data Center Study Commission to examine the impact of rapid data center development across the state.
Read More
The plan provides a blueprint for policymakers and Ohio Farm Bureau members to bolster Ohio’s agriculture industry and our rural communities.
Read More
Leah Curtis joins this Legal with Leah to talk about what data centers mean for local communities and how to stay engaged in the development process
Read More
A recent state budget fix and a federal rule reform to H-2A have resulted in some relief for farmers who use the guest worker program.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau advocated for a change in the law to allow family members and employees to handle pesticides while under the supervision of a licensed applicator. The rules around HB 10 are being finalized.
Read More
