United Egg Producers Legislative Meeting Included Briefing from Key Congressional Leaders

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Senators Brown (D-OH), Donnelly (D-IN) and Moran (R-KS) joined nearly 100 egg producers from around the country yesterday to talk about the key role America's Egg Farmers play in the U.S. economy. The Senators, representing states accounting for nearly 52 million layers, recognized the group's efforts to ensure Congress and federal regulators help producers to continue delivering a vital, affordable food supply to consumers.

"It is something that is critical to our economy, critical to our state and critical to our country, "said Sen. Donnelly. "To be able to have such a huge protein source for such a reasonable price is a testament to your hard work and quality of your products."

Sen. Brown and Sen. Donnelly, both members of the Senate Agricultural Committee, offered their appreciation and support for the egg industry's efforts surrounding food safety.

"The work you have done to upgrade and ensure that your product is nutritious and safe is to be applauded," said Sen. Brown.

Appropriations subcommittee on Agriculture and Rural Development member Sen. Jerry Moran offered his perspective on the challenging regulatory environment that faces the U.S. egg industry, including the newly proposed EPA "Waters of the United States" standard, part of the Clean Water Act.

"I am from rural America and care about issues facing rural Americans," said Sen. Moran. He encouraged UEP to spend time with all members of Congress, not just rural elected officials, to ensure opportunities exist for future generations of farmers.   

United Egg Producers members were in Washington to talk about the future of the industry and critical issues that will ensure Americans continue to have access to a high-protein, affordable food supply. Creating a national standard for egg production that ensures a level-playing field for all producers across the country is something that continues to be a discussion point with elected leaders and regulators.

"We've spent significant time tackling a number of complicated issues, ranging from food safety to a national production standard, which Congress couldn't solve," said UEP President Chad Gregory. "The attendance of these leading U.S. Senators demonstrates our success in articulating the vital role egg producers play in the national economy, and we appreciate their partnership in working to find a solution to interstate commerce challenges in the months ahead."

About United Egg Producers
United Egg Producers (UEP) is the nation's leading trade association for U.S. egg farmers, representing 95 percent of U.S. egg production. UEP members produce eggs using various systems including conventional cage production, enriched cages, cage-free, free range, organic and other specialty eggs. For more information, visit www.uepcertified.com. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/UEPCertified or follow our updates on Twitter at @UEPCertified.

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SOURCE United Egg Producers