USDA has added 45 days onto its comment period regarding its proposed rule on competition and market integrity under the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
The rule, titled “Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity Under the Packers and Stockyards Act,” originally had a comment deadline of Dec. 2, but USDA has extended the deadline until Jan. 17, 2023.
The proposed rule would revise regulations under the P&S Act by “by prohibiting certain prejudices and disadvantages against covered producers in the livestock, meat, and poultry markets,” the department said. The purpose of the rule is to promote inclusive competition and market integrity in the livestock, meat and poultry markets, according to USDA.
“While we appreciate the additional time to submit thorough comments, overall USDA should tap the brakes on this rulemaking effort,” said National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Senior Director of Government Affairs Tanner Beymer. “This is a significant undertaking rooted in decades of legislative, regulatory, and judicial history. Stakeholders must be afforded the opportunity to holistically evaluate the effects of both this rule and those which the Department has suggested are forthcoming.”
Comments on the proposed rule may be submitted at regulations.gov by searching for docket number AMS-FTPP-21-0045.
