(JULY 9, 2021) – On Friday, President Joe Biden issued an Executive Order to establish a government-wide effort to promote competition in the American economy. The Order includes 72 initiatives by more than a dozen federal agencies to tackle some of the most pressing competition problems across the U.S. economy.
Of particular importance to U.S. cattle producers, the President’s Executive Order:
- Directs USDA to consider issuing new rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act making it easier for farmers to bring and win claims, stopping chicken processors from exploiting and underpaying chicken farmers, and adopting anti-retaliation protections for farmers who speak out about bad practices.
- Directs USDA to consider issuing new rules defining when meat can bear “Product of USA” labels, so that consumers have accurate, transparent labels that enable them to choose products made here.
United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) President Brooke Miller issued the following statement:
“USCA applauds President Biden for hearing the calls from cattle country regarding increased consolidation in the U.S. cattle industry, and then issuing his own call for prompt action within his Administration.
“This Executive Order comes just weeks after USCA Vice President Justin Tupper testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee on the detrimental effects of a U.S. cattle and beef industry controlled by just four major meatpackers, two of which are foreign-owned and operated. USCA’s testimony was loud and clear – the Big Four meatpackers have held their thumb on the scales for far too long, tilting the playing field to their advantage, and forcing more and more independent cattle producers out of business.
“A centralized food system is a threat to our national security. USCA believes in pushing forth policy solutions that strengthen the bottom lines of U.S. agricultural producers in order to strengthen our nation’s food security. President Biden’s Executive Order is an important step towards restoring a fair and equitable food system.”
>>> Read the full Executive Order here. <<<
WATCH: On July 6, 2021, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki discusses the need to close the “Product of the U.S.A.” loophole with reporters during a daily briefing.