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require farmers to form marketing associations.
Last week, leaders of the nation's foremost farm organizations unanimously supported the legislative proposal to give farmers more clout in negotiations with middlemen in the agricultural marketplace.
National Grange Master John Scott, American Farm Bureau Federation President Allan Grant, National Fanners Union President Tony Dechant and National Council of Farmers Cooperatives President Kenneth Naden supported the bargaining act in testimony July 10 before a House Agricultural Subcommittee.
The bill requires handlers of agricultural commodities to bargain in good faith with associations of farmers on prices and other items involved in the sale of farm products. The legislation defines “unfair practices’ in the purchase and marketing of farm commodities and prohibits both handlers and associations of growers from' using “unfair” tactics.
Advocates of the proposal, introduced by California Democrat Leon Panetta, contend its enactment would provide a climate for improved farm income, stabilized prices and assured supplies for consumers and increased efficiency in the marketing system.
The National Agricultural Bargaining Act of 1979 .will shift the position of government from that of simply permitting farmer bargaining associations toward positive support by imposing obligations on handlers in dealing with farmer associations.
Most of the opposition to the legislation voiced at the Washington hearings came from groups such as National Food Processors Association, Frozen Food Institute, Grain Trade Council (representing large grain corporations), National Grain ' and Feed Dealers Association and National Broiler Council.
Local apple growers interested in more details on the proposed bargaining act may contact Sam Snead, 987-B709. Snead also urged all producers to join the Farm Bureau's Marketing Association. Membership dues, he said, are not just another tax. since the Association “can be a regl benefit.”
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