The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is set to introduce a final set of rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act, designed to support contract poultry growers and promote transparency in their dealings with major processing companies.
These rules, scheduled for publication in the Federal Register today, will initiate 75 days before becoming effective.
This regulatory change introduces several key modifications in poultry production. Notably, it mandates increased disclosure to growers about contract details, establishes a “Chief Competition Officer” role within the USDA, and requires USDA purchasing programs to source meat products from animals that are born, raised, and slaughtered in the U.S.
The National Chicken Council, which has expressed reservations about the proposed changes, is currently examining the details of these regulations.
