WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2009 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) proposes rulemaking that would re-establish the regulatory authority for the Swine Contract Library's continued operation and incorporate certain changes contained within the Reauthorization Act that impact the library, as well as make other changes to enhance the library's overall effectiveness and efficiency in response to input from regulated entities and the public.

USDA is also requesting a 3-year extension of and revision to the currently approved information collection in support of the reporting and recordkeeping requirements for the Swine Contract Library program. This approval is required under the Paperwork Reduction Act.

On August 11, 2003, GIPSA implemented new Subtitle B of Title II of the P&S Act, which was added by the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act of 1999 (1999 Act), and established the Swine Contract Library. The statutory authority for the library lapsed on September 30, 2005. On October 5, 2006, the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Reauthorization Act reauthorized the 1999 Act until September 30, 2010, and also amended the swine reporting requirements of the 1999 Act.

The proposed rule was published in the October 15th Federal Register. GIPSA is accepting public comments received by December 28, 2009. Additional information is available in GIPSA's Federal Register notice at archive.gipsa.usda.gov.

The Packers and Stockyards Act is a fair trade practice and payment protection law that promotes fair and competitive marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry industries.

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GIPSA Release #80-09

Catherine M. Grasso 202-720-7201