Promoting Fair Competition In Livestock Markets And Expanding Market Access for American Meat Producers

Key Points

• USDA is directed to more aggressively investigate and enforce the Packers and Stockyards Act against large meat packing companies accused of unfair or monopolistic pricing practices.
• Small ranchers and processors get help selling meat across state lines through expanded participation in cooperative inspection programs, reduced paperwork, and a new online resource on local processing options.
• A new guaranteed loan program called Strengthening Processing for U.S. Ranchers will support small and regional beef processors so they can keep operating and expand.
• USDA will add staff and investigative resources and coordinate with the Justice Department's Antitrust Division to pursue cases against companies that manipulate livestock prices.
• USDA must report to the President within 60 days on enforcement plans and on legal barriers that keep state-inspected meat from being sold across state lines.