Quest for MPR Changes Successful

September 3, 2004 -- Urgings by the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) and state affiliates to modify the Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting (MPR) regulations as they apply to domestic and imported boxed lamb cut sales have been successful. U.S. Department of Agriculture?s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) issued the Final Rule in the Federal Register on Thursday, announcing Nov. 1, 2004, as the effective date for these improvements.

The final rule amends two definitions. The definition of ?carlot-based? is being changed to include language to limit carlot-based sales of boxed lamb cuts to transactions between a buyer and a seller consisting of 1,000 lbs. or more of boxed lamb items. The definition of ?importer? reduces the volume level of annual lamb imports establishing a person as an importer to 2,500 metric tons of lamb products per year, down from 5,000 metric tons.

?For the first time, prices on imported wholesale lamb cuts will be publicly available. The market place should be able to determine the value of all lamb products, both domestic and imports,? commented Paul Rodgers, deputy director of policy for ASI.

?This is positive news for the sheep industry,? stated ASI President Guy Flora. ?MPR of wholesale imported lamb cuts has been a top issue for ASI with the price reporting system for the past three years.?

?Since American lamb processors have been required to report all along, a more level playing field for domestic and import sales has now been established,? concluded Flora.

Staff contact: Paul Rodgers, 303-771-3500

Click here to view the Final Rule.

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