Ag Policy Blog

Army Corps Funding Bill Blocks WOTUS

The House Appropriations Committee released its funding bill for energy and water on Monday, which includes funding for the Army Corps of Engineers.

Key language in the funding bill would prevent any changes of federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act, as well as prohibit any changes to the definition of "fill material" regarding the Clean Water Act.

Such a restriction would effectively block EPA and the Corps of Engineers from implementing the proposed Waters of the United States rule that has caused a backlash by agricultural groups.

The House transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment will hold a hearing Wednesday morning looking at issues involving the Waters of the United States rule. EPA and Army Corps of Engineers officials are scheduled to testify, as well as American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman.

Information on the hearing can be found at http://dld.bz/…

Grassley Raises Issues on GIPSA Rider

Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, opened his weekly press call with agricultural reporters complaining about some policy riders in the House funding bill for agriculture. Specifically, Grassley noted eight sections of the rule for the Grain Inspections, Packers & Stockyards Administration would not be allowed to go into effect. The appropriations bill blocks definitions that would allow GIPSA to help producers. It also blocks a section that requires poultry companies give growers 90-day notice before cutting off any chick deliveries to the grower.

Grassley noted the livestock title was developed in the 2008 farm bill to provide a little more balance to growers who deal with a highly-concentrated industry. He noted that consolidation continues, such as the Tyson purchase of Hillshire brands for $7.7 billion.

Just to emphasize, you understand this 90-day notice for poultry dealers is to make sure the farmers that do the work for the highly-concentrated industry aren't slaves to a few people," Grassley said. "So if you don't get delivery of poultry for you to raise to slaughter ages -- you know you have got a lot of investment in those buildings. They are going to put you out of business. We have got to make sure these people aren't slaves to a highly-concentrated industry."

GIPSA finalized its livestock rule in December 2011 after a battle-royal fight over provisions involving the beef industry that were scrapped. Congress blocked the implementation of the rule in the FY2012, FY2013 and FY2014 funding and continuing resolution bills. Groups such as the National Chicken Council support continued efforts to block the provisions from being enforced.

Chris Clayton can be reached at chris.clayton@dtn.com

Follow him on Twitter @ChrisClaytonDTN

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