COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – While traveling through his home state of Iowa on Friday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA intends to make significant investments to expand processing capacity and increase competition in meat and poultry processing.
The announcement comes on the heels of an Executive Order (EO) signed by President Joe Biden last week that promotes competition while building a more resilient supply chain and better food system.
Specifically, USDA announced its intent to invest $500 million in American Rescue Plan funds to expand meat and poultry processing capacity; more than $150 million for existing small and very small processing facilities to help them compete in the marketplace; and a revitalization of the Packers and Stockyards Act, whereby the Department will issue new rules on “Product of USA” labels.
(SOURCE: All Ag News)