Source:  Chris Scott, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 12/28/10
 

A dozen U.S. senators are asking USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to conduct a more rigorous cost-benefit analysis of the proposed Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) livestock marketing rule as promised earlier this month.

(See “USDA to conduct further cost-benefit analysis of GIPSA rule” on Meatingplace Dec. 14, 2010.) 

The lawmakers are concerned that some of the potential consequences of the rule will be missed if a thorough cost-benefit analysis is not conducted, according to a letter signed by the 12 senators.

They added that the announcement that USDA Chief Economist Joseph Glauber will be involved in the analysis raises questions on the scope of the process, the involvement of White House Office of Management and Budget and whether the cost benefit analysis will be subject to external peer review.

The letter also cited an analysis conducted on behalf of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Meat Association, National Pork Council and National Turkey Federation that GIPSA would result in the loss of nearly 23,000 jobs.

Senators, including Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) and Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), noted that the USDA had yet to conduct a similar analysis so far.  

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