Bill > HR4979

This bill, the Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers and Ranchers Act, aims to regulate market concentration and competition in the food and agriculture industry. The key provisions of the bill are: 1. Imposing a moratorium on large mergers and acquisitions in the agribusiness, food and beverage manufacturing, and grocery retail sectors, with certain exceptions. It also requires a retroactive review of large mergers since 2006 and allows for unwinding mergers that harmed competition, farmers, workers, or consumers. 2. Strengthening the Packers and Stockyards Act to prohibit unfair, discriminatory, and deceptive practices by packers, swine contractors, and live poultry dealers, and setting requirements for poultry production contracts. It also increases the share of livestock that large packers must purchase on the spot market. 3. Increasing funding for programs supporting beginning, retiring, and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. 4. Providing grants and loans to help maintain or increase the production, processing, and marketing of meat, dairy, and poultry products, with a focus on increasing the availability of small processing facilities. 5. Establishing a pilot program to expand the availability of processing inspectors and technical assistance for eligible small processing facilities. The overall goal of the bill is to address the high levels of concentration in the food and agriculture sector, which have reduced competition, harmed farmers and ranchers, and increased food prices for consumers.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4979/all-info