On Friday President Biden issued an Executive Order to promote competition in agriculture and build a more resilient supply chain and better food system. U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack made the announcement in Omaha and it included USDA strengthening their enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act to hold meatpackers accountable. R-CALF Regional Director Brett Kenzy says this is a step in the right direction.

Another major component involves USDA issuing new rules to strengthen the Product of the USA label, which Kenzy says they have long supported.

USDA is also investing $500 million in American Rescue Plan funds to expand processing capacity and increase competition in meat and poultry processing. The goal is to make markets fair, competitive and resilient, which Kenzy says this will give farmers and consumers more choices in the marketplace.

USDA also announced more than $150 million for existing small and very small processing facilities to help them weather COVID and get the support they need to reach more customers.