Trump Announces Measures to Combat Meat Processing Monopoly

President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he is preparing legal measures to allow farmers and ranchers to process their own production. This move is part of an offensive against the concentration of the meat sector in the United States. Trump stated that a small number of companies have created a monopoly that makes life horrible for farmers. He noted that a significant portion of the ownership of these large processors is located outside the United States.

The four largest beef processors, JBS, Tyson Foods, Cargill, and National Beef, control approximately 85 percent of the market. Two of these companies have Brazilian ties: JBS is of Brazilian origin and National Beef is controlled by MBRF. Trade advisor Peter Navarro previously accused these four companies of forming a cartel and specifically highlighted the Brazilian presence, claiming two of the firms are deeply involved with the Chinese.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated that the government will announce a series of measures starting Monday. These include reducing bureaucracy, expanding interstate sales, revoking outdated guidelines, and providing financing and deregulation for small processors. The initiative follows a rise in animal protein prices, with ground beef increasing 18 percent compared to last year.

The proposal has met with mixed reactions from industry representatives. The Meat Institute warned that selling meat without inspection could risk food safety. Conversely, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association supports reducing regulations for small processors but maintains that inspection standards should remain in place.