USDA Proposes New Competition Rule

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has proposed new rules to deliver a fair, competitive atmosphere for the meat and poultry supply chain. The proposal is designed to clarify the enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act. If finalized, the rule outlines standards for the Agriculture Department to deal with what it terms ‘unfair’ practices. This is part of a suite of USDA regulatory actions to support market fairness and increase transparency in the meatpacking sector.