The below statement is attributable to Chad Gregory, President and CEO, United Egg Producers, regarding the 2018 omnibus appropriations bill signed into law by President Trump, which includes a landmark measure that restores the Bush- and Obama-era exemptions for reporting on-farm emissions from manure.

 The Fair Agricultural Reporting Method (FARM) Act contains a statutory measure creating an exclusion that had been sought by the two previous Administrations, so that nearly a quarter of a million farmers would not have to calculate and report the natural emissions of ammonia from manure to federal emergency response authorities. 

“The Farm Act is a common sense, good government piece of legislation that increases efficiency and reduces unnecessary regulatory burdens, all without sacrificing the environment. The nation’s egg producers are deeply grateful to the leadership in Congress that resulted in swift action on this measure as part of the appropriations process.

“We are particularly grateful to Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Joe Donnelly (D-IN) in the Senate, and to Representatives Billy Long (R-MO) and Jim Costa (D-CA) in the House, for leading this effort and their tireless work to see it through to passage. This measure enjoyed widespread support, including Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS), Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conway (R-TX) and Ranking Member Colin Peterson (D-MN), each of whom was instrumental in this critical effort.

“Preserving the land, air and water around U.S. egg farms is a top priority for America’s egg farmers, and responsible farming is a commitment made by UEP’s farmer-members every day.”

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CONTACT:           Hinda Mitchell, 614.537.8926

About UEP

United Egg Producers (UEP) is a cooperative of U.S. egg farmers working collaboratively to address legislative, regulatory and advocacy issues impacting the industry through active farmer-member leadership, a unified voice and partnership across the agriculture community. UEP’s farmer-members work to provide for the health and well-being of their birds; to produce safe, nutritious, high-quality eggs; and to manage their farms responsibly with best on-farm management practices. Leadership of and participation in the UEP Certified program by the vast majority of egg producers further demonstrates a broad commitment to the care of egg-laying hens. UEP also manages the national Egg Safety Center, a leading resource for consumer and industry information on the safe production of eggs and prevention of disease. Formed in 1968, UEP members represent more than 90 percent of US egg production.