Comment Text:
It has come to my attention; according to the Dodd-Frank ACT or “DFA” that the CFTC could require that every conversation, through whatever means, involving a farmer/producer and a country elevator be recorded. Being a grain originator and merchandiser with over 20 years of experience in the industry, I have always conformed to the “know your customer” rule and have always believed that strengthening of customer relationships through education with attention to the changing marketplace have been effective tools for understanding between both originator/merchandiser and farmer/producer. It is my hope that NGFA and like Agribusiness Organizations are seeking input on this matter because my customers have asked that I address this issue. I am writing to you in anticipation that you will be able to direct me to the acceptable course of action. Below I have addressed the concerns my customers have brought to me relating to this issue.
Contrary to what society believes many farmer/producers make it their priority to be informed of legislative actions that impact their business. In doing so, they have voiced strong objections to the possibility that every conversation between a farmer and a country elevator be tape recorded. It is an invasion of their privacy and tends to reflect the society view that our American Farmer Producers are a group of, for lack of a better term, “idiots” who can’t think for themselves and need “protection” from a “more intelligent” source that frankly as the past few weeks have demonstrated is highly questionable. The mere mention of the phrase, that such recordkeeping would protect “customers from abusive sales practices” strongly suggests the lack of integrity on the part of the grain originator to look out for his customers best interests, to which I take offense. If our American Farmers ran their business as well as those making these rules do, our agriculture sector would be failing miserably, however it is probably one of the strongest sectors in the economy. The American Farmer has been “regulated to death” not only to generate revenue but also to limit productivity and innovation. Sadly, the sanctity of the last frontier, the freedom and independence of the American Farmer is at risk of extinction. We request that you grant us respect and liberty that we may continue to run our business competitively and honorably so we may once again aid our country in becoming self sufficient and feed the world.
Thank you for your time in reading the above paragraph as I have attempted to gather the thoughts, concerns and comments of both myself and my producer customers. Please advise me of any further action so their opinions are heard.
Regards,
Ginny Nobbe
Falmouth Farm Supply
Grain Merchant
P.O. Box 170
Falmouth, In 46127
[email protected]
