USDA Publishes Final Rule on Competition under Packers and Stockyards Act

USDA announced the finalization of Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity Under the Packers and Stockyards Act. This establishes clearer, more effective standards under the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act for prohibited practices relating to discrimination, retaliation and deception in contracting. USDA says the rule, which takes effect in 60 days, will help producers and growers that have suffered from increasingly consolidated markets over the last 30 years by enhancing market integrity and ensuring fair access to economic opportunities. The rule prohibits the adverse treatment of livestock producers and poultry growers based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, marital status, or age. It also prohibits discrimination against a livestock and poultry producer cooperative. The rule also prohibits retaliation against producers and growers for their engaging in certain protected activities, prohibits inclusion of false or misleading information in contracts, and establishes record-keeping requirements in support of the rule.