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We supported the Council on Competitiveness review process on the grounds that something 

 had to be done. We still think a moratorium and "third party" review is a good idea. 



We do not expect these issues to be resolved quickly or easily. When the voting delegates of 

 the American Farm Bureau met last month, they adopted specific language to begin to guide 

 us out of the regulatory gridlock we now face: 



"New regulations should adhere to the following important principles: 



a) the regulations are based upon sound scientific data which has been 

 subject to replication and peer review; 



b) the costs as well as the benefits of the regulations have been carefully 

 weighed; 



c) the regulations have been subject to independent analysis and public 

 scrutiny; 



d) alternatives to regulation have been considered, especially the provision 

 of market-based incentives; and 



e) the regulations respect the practicalities of doing business in the 

 industry being regulated." 



The adoption of a policy framework such as this would allow Congress to know what it is 

 mandating for production agriculture. It would guide the executive branch in implementing 

 Congressional intent and assure producers that regulations are well thought out, designed to 

 achieve policy goals set by Congress and respect the rights of individuals to use private 

 property. 



