AMS No. 234-10

Sam Jones-Ellard (202) 720-8998

WASHINGTON, Nov. 24, 2010 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today announced its intent to establish a Wholesale Pork Reporting Negotiated Rulemaking Committee. The Committee will be charged with developing proposed language to amend the Livestock Mandatory Reporting regulations to implement mandatory pork price reporting. The proposed language developed by the Committee will be published as a proposed rule in the Federal Register.

“We look forward to establishing this committee to begin the process of bringing greater transparency and confidence to our wholesale pork reporting program,” noted David Shipman, Acting AMS Administrator. “Once implemented, this market reporting program will benefit pork producers, packers, processors, retailers, and ultimately, consumers.”

On Sept. 28, 2010, the enactment of the Mandatory Price Reporting Act of 2010 reauthorized Livestock Mandatory Reporting for five years and added a provision for mandatory reporting of wholesale pork cuts. The Act directs the Secretary to engage in negotiated rulemaking to make required regulatory changes for mandatory wholesale pork reporting.

As directed by law, the Committee will be composed of representatives from organizations representing swine producers; organizations representing packers of pork, processors of pork, retailers of pork and buyers of wholesale pork; USDA; and interested parties that participate in swine or pork production. AMS has identified organizations that it believes represent the interests of those affected by mandatory price reporting. However, if an organization believes that its interests will not be adequately represented by the proposed members, it may submit a nomination for consideration by AMS.

The announcement was published today in the Nov. 24, 2010, Federal Register. Written comments and requests for membership must be received on or before Dec. 27, 2010. Comments may be submitted electronically at www.regulations.gov or sent to Michael Lynch, Chief; USDA, AMS, LS, LGMN Branch; 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Room 2619-S; Washington, D.C. 20250; Telephone number (202) 720-6231; or Fax (202) 690-3732. Comments should reference docket number AMS-LS-10-0080 and note the date and page number of this issue of the Federal Register. Submitted comments will be available for public inspection at www.regulations.gov, or during regular business hours at the above address.

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