Trump Signs Orders Aimed at Supporting U.S. Ranchers and Meat Processors

 -Editorial 

President Donald Trump signed executive orders aimed at supporting U.S. ranchers, expanding meat-processing opportunities and increasing federal scrutiny of competition in the livestock and meatpacking industries.

The actions direct federal agencies to review regulations affecting ranchers, livestock predator policies, country-of-origin labeling requirements and restrictions affecting smaller meat processors.

One order directs the Interior Department to review the status of gray wolves and Mexican wolves under the Endangered Species Act and determine whether changes to their federal protections are warranted. The department will also work with the Agriculture Department to review policies involving livestock losses caused by predators.

Federal officials were directed to examine compensation standards for ranchers who lose cattle and other livestock to predators and review procedures governing the removal of predators when allowed under federal law.

The Agriculture Department will also review country-of-origin labeling requirements for beef and determine whether regulatory or legislative changes should be recommended.

The White House said the measures are intended to address challenges facing ranchers, including drought, wildfires, rising production costs, livestock losses and the historically small size of the U.S. cattle herd.

A separate executive order focuses on competition in meat processing and expanding market opportunities for ranchers and smaller processors.

The Agriculture Department was directed to increase enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, which regulates livestock and meatpacking markets. Federal investigators will examine potentially unfair, discriminatory, or deceptive practices and conduct that could restrict competition or manipulate prices.

The department will also coordinate with the Justice Department when investigations identify potential violations of federal antitrust laws.

Within 60 days, the agriculture secretary is expected to submit a report to the president detailing enforcement activities, staffing and other resources needed to carry out the initiative.

The administration also directed federal officials to explore ways to expand interstate sales of meat produced by qualifying state-inspected processing facilities.

The Agriculture Department will encourage more states and processors to participate in existing programs that allow eligible facilities to ship meat across state lines while meeting applicable food safety standards. The department was also directed to provide technical assistance to smaller processors and identify federal restrictions that could limit interstate sales.

Another provision calls for establishing a guaranteed loan program intended to help small and regional beef processors continue operating, expand facilities and increase processing capacity.

The White House cited concentration in the meatpacking industry as a concern, saying the four largest beef packers account for about 85% of purchases of steers and heifers. Administration officials said expanding regional processing could provide ranchers with additional options for bringing cattle to market.

The executive orders do not immediately change all federal regulations covered by the directives. Several provisions require agency reviews and recommendations before changes can be implemented, while some proposals could require additional federal funding or congressional approval.

Federal agencies will submit reports and recommendations to the White House as the administration considers additional regulatory or legislative actions affecting ranchers and the meat-processing industry.