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RuleSignificant2024-044192024-03-06

Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity Under the Packers and Stockyards Act

Agriculture Department, Agricultural Marketing Service

Abstract

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA or Department) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS or the Agency) amends its Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, regulations to prohibit undue prejudice and unjust discrimination against individuals on a prohibited basis unrelated to the quality of the service or product provided. The rule also identifies retaliatory practices that interfere with lawful communications, assertion of rights, and associated participation, among other protected activities, as unjust discrimination prohibited by the law. Finally, the rule identifies deceptive practices that violate the Packers and Stockyards Act with respect to contract formation, contract performance, contract termination, and contract refusal. The purpose of this rule is to promote inclusive competition and market integrity in the livestock, meats, poultry, and live poultry markets.

Action & Dates

Action
Final rule.
Dates
This rule is effective May 6, 2024.
Effective Date
2024-05-06

CFR References

Topics

Confidential business informationReporting and recordkeeping requirementsStockyardsSurety bondsTrade practices

Document Excerpt

Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service 9 CFR Part 201 [Doc. No. AMS-FTPP-21-0045] RIN 0581-AE05 ( printed page 16092) AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture (USDA). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA or Department) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS or the Agency) amends its Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, regulations to prohibit undue prejudice and unjust discrimination against individuals on a prohibited basis unrelated to the quality of the service or product provided. The rule also identifies retaliatory practices that interfere with lawful communications, assertion of rights, and associated participation, among other protected activities, as unjust discrimination prohibited by the law. Finally, the rule identifies deceptive practices that violate the Packers and Stockyards Act with respect to contract formation, contract performance, contract termination, and contract refusal. The purpose of this rule is to promote inclusive competition and market integrity in the livestock, meats, poultry, and live poultry markets. DATES: This rule is effective May 6, 2024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: S. Brett Offutt, Chief Legal Officer/Policy Advisor, Packers and Stockyards Division, USDA AMS Fair Trade Practices Program, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250; Telephone: (202) 690-4355; or email: s.brett.offutt@usda.gov . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Table of Contents I. Executive Summary

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Full Document

Citation: 89 FR 16092