WASHINGTON, DC – Farmers who have been frustrated by the inability to work on their own equipment in the past, are receiving a nugget of good news from the White House this week. According to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, a forthcoming Presidential executive order (EO) will give farmers the right to repair their own equipment how they like – though details have not been released.
In addition, USDA will issue new rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act and as the EO on competition will direct the Agriculture Department to issue new rules defining when meat can bear “Product of the USA” labels so that consumers have accurate, transparent labels that enable them to know where their food comes from and to choose to support American farmers and ranchers.
Finally, Psaki says the EO directs USDA to develop a plan to increase opportunities for farmers to access markets and receive a fair return, including supporting alternative food distribution systems like farmers markets, and developing standards and labels that consumers can choose to buy products that treat farmers and agricultural workers fairly.
(SOURCE: All Ag News)