Meat Institute Congratulates Rep. Thompson for Being Elected Chairman of House Ag Committee

The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today released the following statement from Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts regarding the House Republican Conference’s election of U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA-15) to serve as Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee for the 118^th Congress.

“Chairman Thompson has been an outspoken supporter of the meat and poultry industry and we congratulate him on his selection by his colleagues to serve as Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee,” says Meat Institute President and CEO...

Retailers Commend Congressional Leaders for Swift Action to Prevent Catastrophic Rail Strike

The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from President and CEO Matthew Shay following the U.S. Senate’s passage of H.J. Res. 100, sending the Tentative Agreement to President Biden’s desk for final signature. The resolution was approved yesterday in the House.

“The freight and commuter rail systems are essential partners to America’s retailers, moving goods throughout the country every day. A nationwide rail strike at this juncture would have had devastating consequences for our economy, and exacerbated inflation for American families...

NCBA Praises Senate Introduction of Protect Farmers from the SEC Act

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced support for the Senate version of the Protect Farmers from the SEC Act, a companion bill to legislation that was previously introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK).

“The Securities and Exchange Commission’s overly broad rulemaking has the potential to increase burdens on cattle producers by requiring data that is impossible to provide,” said NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart. “NCBA is proud to support the Protect Farmers from the SEC Act because it ensures that..."

NCBA Thanks Biden Administration for Actions to Avoid Rail Disruptions

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) recognized the Biden Administration for taking quick action to avoid rail disruptions.

“On behalf of America’s cattle producers, we thank President Biden and Secretary Vilsack for their action to prevent a disruption in critical rail service across the country. We are also pleased to see bipartisan leaders in Congress working together to address this issue and protect our supply chains,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. “We urge Congress to quickly pass the tentative agreement, which enforces the Presidential Emergency Board’s recommendations from..."

Congress Must Act to Prevent Rail Service Disruptions

The National Turkey Federation (NTF) released the following statement today urging congressional action to prevent rail service disruptions:

“The National Turkey Federation urges Congress to act swiftly on legislation to resolve rail labor disputes and prevent disruptions to rail service. The freight rail system plays an important role in the food and agriculture supply chain, including the transport of feed ingredients essential to turkey production. Transportation delays could have a sizable impact on turkey producers and consumers...”

NRF Reiterates White House Call for Congressional Action to Avoid Rail Strike

The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from President and CEO Matthew Shay following the White House’s call for immediate congressional intervention to avoid a rail strike and subsequent shut down of the U.S. freight rail system. The directive comes as the cooling off period expires Dec. 8 and railroads begin to suspend operations ahead of a labor strike.

“The freight rail system is an integral part of America’s transportation system, moving cargo to communities in every corner of the country every day..."

NRF Calls on Congress to Take Action to Avert a Catastrophic Rail Strike

The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from President and CEO Matthew Shay following the announcement that a fourth rail union has rejected the tentative agreement brokered by the administration among the labor unions and freight railroads.

“Millions of hardworking Americans rely on the freight rail system for their jobs and the economic security of our country. A nationwide rail strike during the peak holiday season will be devastating for American businesses, consumers and the U.S. economy..."

Albertsons Cos. Issues Statement Regarding U.S. District Court for District of Columbia’s Ruling

Albertsons Companies today announced that the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia has denied the request by the California, Illinois and District of Columbia Attorneys General for a temporary restraining order (“TRO”) against the Company’s previously announced $6.85 per common share Special Dividend (the “Special Dividend”), originally scheduled to be paid on November 7, 2022.

Albertsons Cos. continues to seek to overturn the existing temporary restraining order granted by the Washington State Court on November 3, which was based on the incorrect assertion that...

NCC Urges Biden Administration to Prevent Possible Railroad Strike

NCC joined over 320 local, state, and federal trade associations in urging the Biden administration to continue working with a collection of railroad unions and the railroad operators on an agreement to prevent a possible strike.

“With your help, from establishing the Presidential Emergency Board to involvement in the direct negotiations among the parties, the tentative agreement was reached on September 15,” the letter to President Biden said. “We have seen six of the twelve unions ratify the agreement to date. Unfortunately, we have seen two unions reject the agreement and..."

NTF Statement on FSIS Salmonella Framework

The National Turkey Federation (NTF) issued the following statement on the release of the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service’s (FSIS) Proposed Regulatory Framework to Reduce Salmonella Illnesses Attributable to Poultry:

“National Turkey Federation members are committed to further enhancing the safety of their products and building on the turkey industry’s ongoing efforts to address Salmonella throughout turkey production. As FSIS and industry look towards comprehensive strategies to advance this priority, it is imperative that the best science drive food safety policy. The Salmonella..."

NCC Says FSIS’s New Salmonella Framework Lacks Data, Research

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced a new regulatory framework in an effort it says will reduce Salmonella illnesses associated with poultry products.

Specifically, FSIS said it would be proposing three components, including:

- Requiring incoming flocks be tested for Salmonella before entering an establishment;
- Enhancing establishment process control monitoring and FSIS verification;
- Implementing an enforceable final product standard.

“We support the need to develop science-based approaches that will impact public health, but this is being done backwards,” said Ashley Peterson...

NPPC Statement on U.S. Supreme Court Oral Arguments on California Proposition 12

The following statement (from Oct. 11) can be attributed to the National Pork Producers Council:

“This is a historic day for American farmers. National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and American Farm Bureau Federation presented oral arguments on NPPC v. Ross before the U.S. Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of California Proposition 12. As we’ve contended since 2018, one state should not be able to regulate commerce in another state and set arbitrary standards that lack any scientific, technical, or agricultural basis..."

NRF Opposes Proposed Independent Contractor Rule

The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from Senior Vice President of Government Relations David French regarding the new proposed rule from the Department of Labor on independent contractor status.

“The modern workplace is more complex in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Retailers, along with countless other employers, maintain a wide range of business relationships with independent contractors, including billing, facility maintenance, data analysis, delivery, marketing and other critical services...

NPPC Statement on Federal Ruling on USDA’s New Swine Inspection Program

The following statement can be attributed to the National Pork Producers Council:

“We are pleased that the federal judge upheld the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) New Swine Inspection System (NSIS) that incentivizes investment in new technologies while ensuring a safe supply of wholesome American pork. Pork producers use science-based approaches to continuously improve and modernize their practices to ensure product quality and consistency and their..."

USMEF Statement on Advancement of Under Secretary for Trade Nomination

Today the Senate Agriculture Committee reported favorably on the nomination of Alexis Taylor to serve as USDA under secretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs.

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued this statement in support of the nomination:

USMEF thanks the Senate Agriculture...