USDA Announces Progress to Further Competition in Agriculture

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced progress on USDA’s comprehensive approach to enhancing competition in agricultural markets this week. As part of these efforts, the USDA finalized the first in a series of new rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act, aiming to help contract poultry growers be more competitive.

Additionally, USDA shared updates on its efforts to promote competition amidst ongoing seed industry consolidation. This includes a notice to seed companies clarifying expectations that they share effective communications to farmers about seed varietals and clarifying domestic origin requirements a farmer must meet to sell meat products to USDA’s nutrition assistance programs.

See the Transparency in Poultry Grower Contracting and Tournaments Final Rule and other USDA’s efforts to advance competition in agriculture here.