August 5, 2009
US feed group concerned of climate change rules
The American Feed Industry Association, as part of a broad coalition of agriculture-focused groups, has expressed its concerns on proposed climate change rules in a letter to senators.
The letter urges the senators to consider the possible impacts of the climate legislation on the cost of food, feed and household products.
The letter claimed the agricultural facilities emit about two percent of the country's greenhouse gases but are highly vulnerable to indirect costs.
Poorly-designed climate legislation could increase the price of food and the costs of energy, transportation, regulatory and commodities, the letter said.
Not only will the legislation increase food and feed prices, the international competitiveness of US agriculture will also be reduced, the letter said.
The letter also urged for the drafting of a climate legislation that both reduces greenhouse gas emissions and ensures a safe and affordable food supply.
The American Meat Institute, the Grocery Manufacturers Association, the National Chicken Council, the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, the National Meat Association and the National Turkey Federation are among the organisations that signed the letter, along with AFIA.