# Summary
This bill addresses concentration in the agricultural and food industries by imposing a merger moratorium and implementing farm system reforms. Large agricultural companies, food processors, and grocery retailers with over $222 million in annual sales cannot merge with companies having over $22 million in sales until comprehensive legislation addressing market concentration is enacted. The bill authorizes the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice to review and potentially unwind major mergers since 2006 that harmed farmers, workers, or consumers, with $100 million annually allocated to each agency for this work.
The legislation strengthens protections for farmers and ranchers by restoring country-of-origin labeling requirements for beef, pork, and dairy products. It expands Packers and Stockyards Act protections to prevent unfair practices and requires large meat packers to purchase at least 50 percent of their livestock through competitive spot-market sales from independent producers. The bill provides $100 million annually from 2024-2028 for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and establishes grants and loans for small livestock, dairy, and poultry processing facilities. Additionally, it funds a five-year pilot program to expand food safety inspection access for small processors.
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