The Meat Institute is strongly criticizing legislation introduced by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer that targets the structure of the meatpacking industry. The group says the proposal, called the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act, would force companies that process more than one type of livestock to split their operations and focus on only a single species. Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts says the bill would disrupt the supply chain, reduce processing capacity and ultimately raise prices for consumers. The organization also warns the proposal could harm livestock producers and put jobs at risk across the industry. The Meat Institute says the meat and poultry sector supports more than 3.2 million jobs and contributes nearly $348 billion in value to the U.S. economy.
