Agricultural groups have differing views on the Trump administration’s decision to extend the public comment period on the GIPSA Farmer Fair Practice Rules. Iowa Pork Producers Association President Curtis Meier says they support the extension because it’s good to give all sides ample time to comment.

The pork industry’s top concern is the rule broadens the Packers and Stockyards Act regarding the use of unfair, unjustly discriminatory or deceptive practices. The rules would deem such actions as violations of federal law even if they didn’t harm competition or cause competitive injury.

However, National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson says it’s been nine years since the rules were formalized and its time they went into effect.

Johnson says the Farmer Fair Practice Rule eliminates the requirement that any producer discriminated against by a meat packer has to prove damage to the entire industry and not just his own operation.

Comments on the two Farmer Fair Practice Rules are now due by March 24, while comments on the interim final rule are due April 22.