The USDA has finalized a new rule amending the Packers and Stockyards Act. Two groups are voicing displeasure with that amended regulation. Both the Organization for Competitive Markets and National Farmers Union say the amended rule fails to protect farmers and ranchers. O-C-M Executive Director Mike Eby says no recourse for unfair or non competitive actions taken by the processor.
He says under the amended regulation, a single producer must prove harm to not only himself but to a larger group of fellow producers to get any relief. Eby says the rule also shields corporations from legal challenges to discriminatory actions.
Eby says more teeth needs to be put back into the Packers and Stockyards Act and as far as any legislation being passed to give producers relief, there’s a lot of talk by policy makers but no action.
Meanwhile the National Farmers Union is calling on the incoming Biden administration to reverse this harmful amended rule and replace it with one that actually protects farmers from unfair, deceptive and discriminatory practices.
