In the Executive Order, the President:
- Directs USDA to consider issuing new rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act making it easier for farmers to bring and win claims and adopting anti-retaliation protections for farmers who speak out about bad practices.
- Directs USDA to consider issuing new rules defining when meat can bear “Product of USA” labels, so that consumers have accurate, transparent labels that enable them to choose products made here.
- Directs USDA to develop a plan to increase opportunities for farmers to access markets and receive a fair return, including supporting alternative food distribution systems like farmers markets and developing standards and labels so that consumers can choose to buy products that treat farmers fairly.
- Encourages the FTC to limit powerful equipment manufacturers from restricting people’s ability to use independent repair shops or do DIY repairs—such as when tractor companies block farmers from repairing their own tractors.
We appreciate the Administration taking steps to address agricultural market challenges and provide greater flexibility for all farmers and ranchers to be competitive in today’s economy. We will be looking closely at the details of this order and future reports to ensure it helps create a more financially sustainable environment for livestock producers.
To read American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall’s comment on executive order addressing livestock markets and “right to repair,” click here.