Politics
Biden Moves to Strengthen Market Protections for Farmers
- USDA chief Vilsack cites concentration of meatpacking industry
- Pandemic, cyber attack on JBS highlighted domination of sector
This article is for subscribers only.
The Biden administration announced Friday it will strengthen U.S. regulatory protections for livestock and poultry producers in their dealings with meatpackers after Covid outbreaks and a cyber attack on JBS SA highlighted domination of the industry by a few giant companies.
“The pandemic and other recent events have revealed how concentration can take a painful toll on independent farmers and ranchers, while exposing working family consumers to higher prices and uncertain output,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement Friday. “The process we’re beginning today will seek to strengthen the fairness and resiliency of livestock markets.”