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       The Meat Block Act will balance the US cattle market by improving access to grants for small scale processors to expand or create new businesses.
       WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representatives Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD-AL) today reintroduced bipartisan legislation to increase competition in the meat processing industry.
        According to a 2021 Rabobank report, adding 5,000 to 6,000 heads of fattening capacity per day could restore the historical balance of fattening supply and packing capacity. The Meat Block Act will help balance the U.S. cattle market by creating an ongoing grant and loan program with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for new and expanding meat processors to encourage competition in the packaging industry.
        In July 2021, after Spanberger and Johnson spearheaded the Meat Blocking Act, the USDA announced a program compliant with the legislation to provide grants and loans to small-scale processors. In addition, a bipartisan majority in the US House of Representatives voted to pass legislation in June 2022 as part of a larger package.
        “Virginia livestock and poultry producers contribute millions of dollars to our local economy. But market consolidation continues to put pressure on these important industries,” Spanberger said. “As the only Virginia native on the House Agriculture Committee, I understand the need for long-term investment in our domestic food supply. By highlighting new USDA assistance to local processors to expand their operations, our bipartisan legislation will support America’s meat industry by growing the market. opportunities for American growers and reduced grocery store costs for Virginia families. I am proud to once again, with Congressman Johnson, introduce this legislation, and I look forward to continuing to build bipartisan support to keep American livestock and poultry producers competitive in the global agricultural economy.” .
        “Cattle country needs solutions,” Johnson said. “Livestock owners have been hit by one black swan event after another over the past few years. The Meat Block Act will provide more opportunities for small packers and encourage healthy competition to create a more stable market.”
       The Meat Block Act has been approved by the American Federation of Farm Bureaus, the National Cattlemen’s Association, and the American Cattlemen’s Association.
        Spanberger and Johnson first introduced the bill in June 2021. Click here to read the full text of the bill.
        The congressman, recently named Congressional’s most effective farm legislator, listened directly to Virginia farmers and growers to make sure their voices were at the negotiating table during negotiations on the 2023 farm bill. [...]
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