WASHINGTON – Iowa Republican Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst joined Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) in calling on Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to categorize the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Market News Department as essential during government shutdowns. Their letter was additionally signed by Sens. John Boozman (R-Ark.), ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.).

“Iowa farmers already endure significant uncertainty, which was amplified this year by drought conditions. Now, Washington bureaucrats have announced they’ll pump the brakes on getting market data to farmers if the government shuts down,” Grassley said. “Administrations have kept AMS up and running during past shutdowns, so there’s no good reason for the Biden USDA to suspend it now. Seems to me the agency’s playing politics with the farmers who feed our nation. This service is essential to farmers and should be designated as such.”  

AMS Market News provides accurate, timely and reliable market information to agricultural supply chain contributors including producers, processors, distributors and retailers. These data also help U.S. exporters navigate international markets and remain competitive.

Read the lawmakers’ letter HERE and below. 

September 28, 2023

The Honorable Tom Vilsack
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C., 20250
 
Dear Secretary Vilsack,
 
We write to respectfully request that you deem the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) USDA Market News Department as essential within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) during any future government shutdowns. As you are aware, the AMS Market News Department plays a pivotal role in the agricultural sector, and its continued operation is crucial for the welfare of agriculture producers nationwide.
 
The USDA Market News Department has a long-standing history of providing accurate, timely, and reliable market information to all contributors to the agricultural supply chain. This information is indispensable for educated decision-making in the agricultural sector. Producers rely on this data to gauge market trends, determine pricing strategies, and make critical financial decisions. Additionally, agribusinesses, processors, distributors, and retailers depend on this information to optimize their operations and ensure the efficient flow of agricultural products to consumers.
 
The department’s role extends beyond the domestic market, as it contributes to the competitiveness of American agricultural products in the global marketplace. AMS Market News provides essential data that helps our agricultural exporters navigate international markets and remain competitive globally.
 
Due to these critical impacts, we request you officially designate the AMS Market News Department as an essential service within the USDA. This designation would ensure its continued operation during any future government shutdowns, guaranteeing that farmers, ranchers, and the broader agricultural community can access the market information they need to make informed decisions and sustain our nation’s agricultural industry.
 
We appreciate your attention to this matter and your dedication to the well-being of our agricultural industry. Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to your response and hope you will support this vital initiative.
 

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