Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) introduced legislation to end the use of mandatory arbitration in livestock and poultry contracts. Harkin said, "Producers or growers who feel they have been subject to breach of contract, fraud or illegal activity should be allowed to pursue their rights and remedies in our courts and not forced into arbitration." This issue will be addressed during the 2007 farm bill.
-- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C., correspondent