By Jamie Martin
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has expressed opposition to the USDA's "Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets" rule, proposed by the Agricultural Marketing Service.
The NPPC argues that while the rule aims to enforce fair practices, it could inadvertently harm pork producers by increasing costly litigation.
Outlined in their recent submission, NPPC supports the enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act (PSA) for maintaining competitive market prices.
They believe the new rule uses vague language that might lead to unnecessary legal challenges, particularly affecting independent hog farmers and pork processors.
The rule also seeks to remove the need to prove "harm to competition" for PSA claims, a requirement historically upheld by courts and supported by legislative decisions, including the 2008 Farm Bill. NPPC contends that this change exceeds USDA’s statutory authority and could expose the industry to burdensome lawsuits.
The council highlighted that many of the protections the new rule aims to provide are already covered under existing antitrust, anti-discrimination, and other state and federal regulations.
By fostering an environment rife with legal uncertainties, this rule could stifle market opportunities and innovation at a crucial recovery time for pork producers.
Photo Credit: national-pork-producers-council
Categories: National