Current rules make it difficult for smaller companies to compete
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
A group of U.S. lawmakers are asking the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to consider easing rules on meat processors.
Six Republican members of the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue asking him to “revisit burdensome regulations that create barriers to entry and lessen competition in the nation’s meat processing industry.”
The letter, signed by Reps. Jim Jordan (Ohio), Kelly Armstrong (N.D.), Jim Sensenbrenner (Wis.), Ken Buck (Colo.), Matt Gaetz (Fla.) and Greg Steube (Fla). outlines multiple reforms that would make it easier for smaller meat processors to compete in an industry controlled by four main companies.
Together, processors like Tyson Foods and JBS control about 80 percent of the U.S. beef processing market.
One idea is to give the independent processors autonomy to develop Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans.
“USDA should consider how to give smaller meat processors more flexibility to comply with HACCP regulations, including during rapid production changes,” the June 9 letter says.
Another suggestion is to encourage more states to participate in the Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) program.
If a state joins the CIS program, its state-inspected meat processors can sell goods across state lines.
Because the approval process can take a long time, finding ways to streamline the process would benefit the industry, the U.S. lawmakers say.
“USDA should consider ways to reduce regulatory burdens associated with the CIS program and should encourage more states and small processors to participate,” the letter reads.
Farms.com has reached out to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the USDA for comment.