# Summary of S. 4996: Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2026
This bill addresses consolidation in agriculture and food industries by implementing a moratorium on large mergers in farming, food processing, and retail sectors. Companies with annual sales over $222 million cannot merge with or acquire competitors with sales over $22 million, with limited exceptions for financial distress. The bill also requires the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission to review mergers since 2006 and potentially unwind those causing harm to farmers, workers, or consumers, with $100 million in funding provided to each agency for this review.
The legislation strengthens protections for farmers through new rules on livestock pricing, requiring packers to offer transparent contracts with firm prices and limiting their ability to directly own livestock. It restores mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef, pork, and dairy products to help domestic farmers compete. The bill provides $500 million for local agriculture programs and $100 million annually from 2026–2030 for beginning, retiring, and socially disadvantaged farmers. Additionally, it establishes grants and loans for small meat, dairy, and poultry processing facilities and creates a five-year pilot program to increase inspection availability for small processors. The Government Accountability Office is directed to study food system fragility and supply chain risks within 180 days.
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