USDA proposes new rule to clarify unfair practices in the meat industry
The announcement of a change in the rules for the sale of livestock was made by the US Department of Agriculture to make it easier for producers to win complaints that they were unfairly treated by meat processors.
"The rule proposed today represents clear, transparent standards so that markets function fairly and competitively for both consumers and producers," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said.
Currently, manufacturers must prove harm to the entire industry market.
The revision will make it possible to consider harm to one manufacturer as sufficient evidence of unfair practices.
The meat industry said the proposed rule would encourage lawsuits and interfere with marketing agreements and bonuses offered to producers.
The National Farmers Union welcomed the proposal. The organization stated that "family farms and ranchers continue to face unfair practices from monopolistic meat processing enterprises," and clear and long-lasting rules of interaction between farmers and meat processors are needed.
Source: rossaprimavera
