USDA is delaying implementation of the Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems rule until the end of 2027.
The Agricultural Marketing Service said it is proposing to delay the final rule to “allow time for further consideration of possible actions that may be taken regarding the disposition of the rule.”
Under the rule, poultry companies would not be able to dock a grower’s pay under a tournament system, but companies could give bonuses. Companies would also be limited to where the variability of performance payments would be capped at 25% of a contract’s gross annual pay.
The Campaign for Contract Agriculture Reform (CCAR), a coalition of groups that includes Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund USA, urged USDA to implement the rule in July.
“The Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvements Systems rule finally took meaningful steps to right the wrongs of the payment system,” said Steve Etka, CCAR policy director.
