Previously, major meat companies have defended the system as fair; it calls for farmers to provide barns and labor to raise chickens while the companies provide chicks, feed and expertise. Bill Bullard, who leads a trade group representing farmers and ranchers, said the change should better protect individuals in their dealings with the four major meat companies, which together control roughly 70% of U.S. beef production. Bullard said changing the label rules will help, but that even if meat producers can't use the “Product of USA” label, they won't be required to label the beef as foreign. This week's expected executive order follows an announcement this spring that the USDA was planning to strengthen protections for farmers under the law and encourage more competition in livestock markets. Currently, some tractor makers use proprietary tools and software to force farmers to go to dealers for repairs.

Source: ABC News July 06, 2021 09:37 UTC