The Organic Farmers network of New York has posted this:

Message

Begin forwarded message:
> From: “Amy Little” <amylittle@hvc. rr.com>
> Date: March 14, 2013 11:36:40 AM CDT
> Subject: Action needed today on Biotech and GIPSA Riders
>
> From: Amy Little, NESAWG
> Action Alert and Mobilization TODAY
>
> The Senate released its Continuing Resolution (appropriations legislation) that includes “riders” on 2 big issues. Legislative riders are controversial policy provisions that “hitch a ride” on appropriations bills that otherwise deal only with funding matters in order to escape full and open debate in the committee that has jurisdiction over the relevant policy area.
> 1. The “Biotech Rider” would undercut current biotech safety regulations by striping federal courts of their authority to halt the sale and planting of illegal, potentially hazardous GE crops, and compel the USDA to allow continued planting of that same crop upon request regardless of its potential to cause transgenic contamination in the food supply and ecosystem.
> 2. The “GIPSA Rider” overrides the GIPSA rule that protects farmers from abuses by the meat industry, by denying contract producers protection under the Packers and Stockyards Act .
>
> TODAY, Senator Jon Tester plans to introduce two amendments that removes those riders from  the Continuing Resolution. Many organizations that participate in NESAWG are issuing alerts and mobilizing phone calls and emails.
>
> Please consider making a call to your Senator’s DC office, alerting your lists to take action, and spreading the word quickly.
> You can find your Senators’ phone numbers here: http://bit.ly/ findmySenator
>
> Many organizations have issued alerts, here is the basic message:
>
> “Please tell the Senator to vote for two amendments to the Continuing Resolution introduced by Senator Jon Tester of Montana that protect family farmers from abuses by the meat industry and support review of biotechnology products. These two amendments will stand up for family farmers, ensure that independent producers have a fair chance in the livestock market, and ensure that courts can review biotechnology products.”
>
>
> From the NSAC Blog: This is an affront to justice and fairness for farmers and is an unfortunate example of legislating on an appropriations bill on behalf of a very few powerful corporations.
>
> Phone calls are needed right now, but Food and Water watch has an on-line letter campaign athttps://secure3. convio.net/ fww/site/ Advocacy? pagename= homepage& page=UserAction& amp;id=591& autologin= true& JServSessionIdr0 04=w8pdw3w8a5. app340a