Grassley (Iowa Senator) –
Needs to understand process as much as substance. Compliments DOJ and USDA for doing this “badly needed” and the cooperation across departments is essential for taking on lack of competition in agriculture.
Grassley, “There’s not enough competition. This is not only a problem today, but a problem for young farmers getting started and keeping next generation of family farmers strong.”
“Poeple use the term family farm loosely, but its imprint we understand what real family farms are.”
“The government needs to be a referee”
Needs to be a formalization – he has written ACE legislation (agricultural competitive enhancement act) that he is promoting to increase dialogue and cooperation across departments, to develop “competition guidelines” and beef up antitrust enforcement. Similar to regulatory reform with wall street. Need greater transparency which makes enforcement easier.
Boswell (Iowa Congressman) –
Starts out with the factor of feeding a growing world. Says that there’s room for everyone. That we need more research to feed people. Points out the UCFW union members in the audience and applauds their efforts and achievement.
Bowell is giving the most political of talks so far. The first three were strong. He is walking back and forth across the fence and not giving any substance. Keeps saying “fairness”
Refers to “Two major research companies that are helping us” do our best to feed. Obviously refering to Monsanto and Pioneer who built this building and bought his allegiance. Ugh. He was corporate fluff talk.
