Press Releases

Pingree meeting with contract chicken farmers who would be protected under the rule.

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement on USDA’s decision to delay implementation of its Farmer Fair Practice Rules by 180 days until October 19. 

"The USDA’s decision to needlessly delay these rules is disappointing and harmful to American farmers who have waited far too long for these protections. Make no mistake—these rules were not rushed. Congress authorized them nearly 10 years ago in the 2008 Farm Bill, but Republicans have held them up through Appropriations riders. The farmers who struggle under unfair contracts with giant processors often fear retribution for speaking out and shouldn’t have to wait for these commonsense rules any longer.”