NFU Applauds USDA’s Commitment to Fairness and Transparency for Farmers

WASHINGTON - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today a series of actions in support of a fair and competitive agriculture market. National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew said the following:

"We commend USDA for continuing to promote competition across our agricultural markets. The Biden-Harris administration has done more than any other administration since Theodore Roosevelt to ensure that the agricultural and rural economy is fair and competitive for family farmers and ranchers. Today's announcement demonstrates USDA's thoughtful and proactive approach to addressing some of the most pressing issues farmers and ranchers face-namely, the need for transparency, fairness and innovation in both seed systems and livestock markets.

The new framework for improving research access to seed germplasm is a significant step forward. Farmers rely on diverse, resilient seed traits to thrive in an increasingly unpredictable climate. This initiative helps to guarantee that seed choices are not limited by monopolistic practices but are driven by innovation and the demands of sustainability.

The findings of USDA's interim report on competition in the meat retail industry further illustrate the barriers to a fair market and a resilient food system. Family farmers and ranchers deserve a level playing field, and today's report highlights the concerning consolidation that makes it increasingly difficult for them to compete. We look forward to even more initiatives from USDA and other enforcement agencies to ensure everyone is playing fairly.

Lastly, efforts to enhance price discovery in cattle markets and enforce the Packers & Stockyards Act reflect a deep understanding of the challenges facing cattle producers. For too long, unfair pricing practices have undermined the livelihoods of family farmers. Today's advanced notice of proposed rulemaking is a welcome opportunity for farmers to shape new regulations that will promote fairness, increase transparency and ensure competitive markets for livestock producers."

NFU's Fairness for Farmers campaign has brought the devastating impact of monopolies on family agriculture into the national spotlight. Together, this administration's initiatives strengthen the economic foundation of rural communities and ensure family farmers and ranchers have fair and competitive businesses.

Click here to read the full USDA announcement.