Groups Fight to Keep Anti Retaliation Protections for Producers
Farm and rancher groups are actively working to defend a USDA rule that offers new protections against abusive practices by large meatpackers. The 2024 Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity Rule clarifies what constitutes unfair treatment under the Packers and Stockyards Act.
This rule is under threat as major meat industry groups, including the National Chicken Council, have filed a lawsuit to repeal it. In response, Food & Water Watch and a coalition of organizations including R-CALF USA, WORC, and the Alabama Contract Poultry Growers Association, filed to intervene in the case.
The rule outlines protections for livestock and poultry producers, especially against retaliation for publicly supporting fair market policies. It aims to restore fairness in a market dominated by just four major beef processors controlling over 80% of the industry.
“Over 100 years ago, Congress realized that U.S. producers had no recourse when subjected to marketing abuses by highly concentrated meatpackers,” said Bill Bullard of R-CALF USA.