USDA looks to expand market access, strengthen beef industry

By Jason Vance The U.S. Department of Agriculture is working to strengthen competition in the meatpacking industry, expand market access for cattle producers and modernize food safety inspection programs under executive orders issued by President Donald Trump. Mindy Brashears, USDA undersecretary for food safety, said the initiatives are intended to give ranchers more options for processing and marketing their cattle while maintaining the agency’s commitment to food safety. One executive order focuses on strengthening competition among meatpackers and expanding market opportunities for livestock producers. “That particular executive order was focused on our Packers and Stockyards options, and that does fall under AMS, the Agricultural Marketing Service,” Brashears said. The USDA plans to examine provisions of the Packers and Stockyards Act as part of its efforts to improve competition and market access.

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