Capitol News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (MI-07) is working to find new ways to support independent farmers by introducing the bipartisan Livestock Consolidation Research Act. The bill would direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture to research how consolidation of livestock producers impacts the industry and consumers.

Consolidation refers to larger companies in the meat industry acquiring smaller ones and controlling more of the supply chain, which could harm the interests of family farms.

The bill is co-led by Republican Rep. Randy Feenstra (IA-04), while its Senate companion is led by Sens. Tina Smith (D-MN) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA).

“Growing up, my family was in the meat business, so supporting small livestock producers will always be a priority for me,” said Slotkin. “As large corporations have captured more and more of the livestock industry, family-owned farms have been feeling the pressure. And as we saw during the pandemic, meatpacking consolidation leaves our food security and national security vulnerable if a producer goes down – not to mention increasing prices for working families. This legislation will make sure we’re taking a hard look at the impact of consolidation, so we can ensure farmers, ranchers, and consumers aren’t left unprotected.”

“Competition is vital to a functioning and fair economy. In my conversations with producers — especially Iowa cattlemen — there is frustration that the current marketplace, with such few players, can harm and push out family farms and small producers,” said Feenstra. “I’m excited to work with Rep. Slotkin to introduce the Livestock Consolidation Research Act to study the impact on our family farms, communities, and businesses of consolidation throughout the meat supply chain. This legislation will help us understand what is truly happening in the industry and root out any discriminatory practices.”

On August 31, 2023, just four companies control the vast majority of the meatpacking industry, straining small livestock producers who often make only pennies on the dollar.

In 2021, consumers felt the impact of consolidation when JBS, one of the nation’s largest meatpacking companies, paused production after a cyberattack, creating a meat shortage that increased prices. 

The Livestock Consolidation Research Act is endorsed by the National Farmers Union, Michigan Farmers Union, and Iowa Farmers Union.

“A small number of very large companies dominate livestock markets, leading to lower prices paid to farmers for their hard work, and saddling consumers with a bigger bill at the grocery store,” said Michigan Farmers Union President Bob Thompson. “This problem is urgent and demands action now, but we should also improve research about the challenges we face. Thank you Reps. Slotkin and Feenstra for introducing a bill that will help us better understand the deleterious impacts of corporate consolidation on family farmers and ranchers, so we can build fairer and more competitive livestock markets in the future.”

Slotkin’s Recent Work Surrounding Agriculture

The only Michigander on the House Agriculture Committee, Slotkin has been working closely with agriculture stakeholders, with several legislative actions taken this month alone to support the agriculture sector.

Most recently, she introduced the Specialty Crop Research Act to increase funding for federal programs that support research into new methods for ensuring crop resiliency. It was introduced after the congresswoman joined Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Tim Boring for a roundtable focused on climate resiliency for Michigan agriculture.

Earlier this month, Slotkin’s Specialty Crop Security Act earned endorsements from 11 Michigan agriculture organizations from across the state. The legislation would expand and enhance the current program that provides dedicated federal assistance grants to specialty crop growers through state agriculture departments for a wide array of projects. 

At the beginning of August, Slotkin co-led legislation to strengthen American food security by closely scrutinizing farmland purchases by foreign adversaries. Over the past decade, foreign ownership of U.S. farmland and investment in U.S. agriculture has nearly doubled, raising concerns over foreign influence over the U.S. food supply. 

She is also pushing for a $5/acre crop insurance discount to farmers who plant cover crops to incentivize this important soil health practice, which builds on the federal Pandemic Cover Crop Program and has bipartisan support. 

Original source can be found here.