USDA proposes changes to Packers and Stockyards Act

June 14, 2021 08:51 AM

USDA wants to strengthen enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act.

The century-old law is meant to protect farmers and ranchers from unfair practices from the packing industry.

The agency says that it will first propose a new rule to clarify definitions of those unfair practices. Another new rule will govern the poultry grower tournament system, and it will revive a third rule to say harm to competition does not need to be shown in order to initiate an action.

This comes as the largest meatpacker, JBS, says it will hand over documents related to the recent cyberattack. Lawmakers requested more information as they investigate.

JBS paid an $11 million dollar ransom in bitcoin, which the House Oversight Committee Chair says could lead to more attacks. The FBI recovered a portion of that ransom.

Producers and packers are not in the same business

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