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NMPF Continues Its Battle for AgJOBS Despite Temporary Delay in Immigration Enforcement Measures
On August 31, a federal judge in San Francisco issued an order temporarily blocking the government from implementing the new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) "Social Security no match" rule that could cause thousands of employers across the country to terminate millions of experienced and productive workers. The judge's order also stops the Social Security Administration (SSA) from beginning to send notices on Tuesday to approximately 140,000 employers across the country notifying them of the new rule, which would impact approximately eight million workers. In practical terms, this ruling provides employers with some additional time to make sure that they are ready to comply if or, more likely, when the no-match rule does become effective. The order came as a result of a lawsuit filed last week by the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) and various local labor groups. A hearing on the groups' request to permanently bar the implementation of the DHS rule is scheduled for October 1.
The court's ruling indicates only that the court wanted to take a closer look at the legal arguments than time allowed. It does not necessarily mean that DHS's no-match rule is invalid or that the rule will necessarily be deemed to be invalid in whole or in part. It is very possible that, after more complete consideration, the court will uphold the rule in its entirety. In short, the situation is very fluid and it is difficult to predict the outcome at this point in time.
Despite this temporary stay in the government's immigration enforcement efforts, NMPF's longstanding fight for reasonable reform of agricultural immigration laws continues. NMPF has long championed the AgJOBS legislation, which would provide a rational and legal path forward on this difficult issue of immense importance to so many dairy producers. In addition to continuing its active coordination with the Agricultural Coalition for Immigration Reform's efforts, NMPF is focusing on what more the dairy industry can do to lead on this essential issue. NMPF is bringing to DC a large number of Young Cooperators later this month to lobby Congress on the need for AgJOBS, as well as on other topics of high interest such as the Farm Bill. In addition, an NMPF Officers call was held recently to discuss how to more visibly address this pressing issue.
In order to support these efforts and maximize the prospects for successful passage of AgJOBS, producers should contact their Members of Congress to urge swift enactment of this legislation. The Dairy GREAT website allows dairy producers to let their elected officials hear their opinions on the immigration issue, which is especially important now that Congress is back in session. Visit the website today to make calls to your respective offices today! The dairy industry urgently needs the AgJobs reform legislation.
NMPF Urges Administration to Fully Consider Canadian Cattle Impacts on U.S. Dairy Industry
National Milk Producers Federation staff met yesterday, September 4th, with White House officials to urge the administration to fully consider potential economic damages to American dairy farmers before reopening the Canadian border to herd replacements.
The U.S. closed its borders to Canadian beef and live cattle four years ago, following the discovery of BSE, or mad cow disease, in May 2003. In 2005, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reopened the border for younger animals destined for slaughter, and for meat from younger animals. The USDA has now forwarded to the White House's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a final rule on Canadian cattle imports. The original version of this rule, which NMPF commented on in March, proposed allowing the import of all Canadian cattle born after March 1, 1999, including dairy herd replacements.
During the meeting, NMPF reiterated that the USDA's cursory review of the potential economic impacts of the cattle trade "is inadequate, because it doesn't account for the economic losses to dairy farmers that could occur as a result of a reopened border," said Jerry Kozak, President and CEO of NMPF. NMPF does not object to USDA's assessment and proposal to allow Canadian cattle to be sent directly to slaughter in the U.S. However, the regulatory analysis for dairy breeding animals is incomplete, does not justify that part of the proposed rule, and does not meet the Federal requirements for economic impact analysis. Read the letter sent to USDA.
NMPF estimates that additional annual imports of approximately 47,000 Canadian dairy heifers could increase milk production by up to 0.5% per year over the next five years, reducing farm-level milk prices by as much as 18% and dairy farmer revenue by up to $5 billion per year during that time period.
More importantly, because Canada's government has continued to find cattle that have BSE, the USDA is estimating that up to 700 BSE-infected cattle could be exported to the U.S. during the next twenty years resulting in as many as 70 U.S.-born cases. The discovery of even one native born BSE-infected dairy cow as a result of reopening the Canadian border could ruin consumer confidence in dairy products and undermine the U.S. response to BSE.
NMPF urged USDA and OMB to give these impacts their due consideration.
NMPF Comments on Change in Canadian Cheese Standards
Working closely with the U.S. Dairy Export Council, NMPF submitted comments last month to the Canadian government regarding a proposal to change Canadian cheese compositional standards. Canada is proposing to more strictly limit the amount of dairy ingredients other than fluid milk that can be used in cheese making.
If Canada follows through with this proposal, it is expected to have a negative impact on U.S. exports of cheese and dairy ingredients, such as whey products, to Canada. Canada is the U.S.'s second largest export market for cheeses and the third largest export market for whey products.
NMPF's comments delivered the clear message that Canada's proposal would result in a violation of its international trade commitments. NMPF is working with other U.S. dairy industry organizations and the U.S. government to vehemently urge Canada to reconsider such an approach, given the legal concerns at stake. The Canadian government is now in the process of reviewing all comments before issuing a final rule on this issue. NMPF will continue to work closely with others against the implementation of Canada's proposal.
Latest Issues of ImportWatch and Dairy Market Report Now Available
Check out the recent edition of the ImportWatch and the Dairy Market Report on the NMPF website.
NMPF Website Is Redesigned
Visit the redesigned NMPF website for all the latest dairy industry news and information. The website received a facelift for the first time since its creation in 1999. NMPF hopes the new design is easy to use and navigate. The website will be updated regularly so check back frequently for current information on milk pricing, trade negotiations, regulatory issues, legislative issues and other industry news.
Associate Member Focus: ARM & HAMMER Animal Nutrition Group
The ARM & HAMMER® Animal Nutrition Group works closely with others in the dairy industry, to improve cow performance and producer profitability. They specialize in innovative, research-based feed ingredients. They are committed to providing safe, high-quality feed ingredients to enhance dairy cow productivity and dairy producer profitability.
For more information visit their website or contact their company representative Curt Siverling at curt.siverling@churchdwight.com.
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