USDA, Justice Department Launch Online Anti-Competition Reporting Tool

Farmers and ranchers can now anonymously report potentially unfair and anti-competitive practices in the livestock and poultry sectors. The USDA and the Justice Department launched an online tool late last week to make it easier for farmers to file those reports.

“This new online tool will help USDA and the Justice Department address anti-competitive actions and create livestock and poultry markets that are fair to our nation’s producers,” said Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack. “I encourage producers who are aware of potential violations of competition laws to submit information to the portal so we can take appropriate actions to create more competitive markets in the agricultural sector.”

The online reporting tool is available Here.

Vilsack called the site it a “one-stop-shop” to report violations of competition laws that will allow the departments to collaborate early, vigorously enforce the law, and ensure economic opportunities and fairness for everyone.

"USCA is pleased to see the swift implementation of this hotline, which guarantees confidentiality for those reporting harmful business practices. These are sensitive matters, and deserve to be treated with extraordinary care," said United State Cattlemen's Association President Brooke Miller. "We acknowledge and appreciate the White House's persistence in untangling the decades of increased consolidation and unchecked market power in the U.S. meat industry. Today's announcement is one more step towards bringing increased transparency and true price discovery to the cattle marketplace. USCA looks forward to working with the Biden-Harris Administration and Congress to implement the remaining portions of the Action Plan." 

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