Poultry Grower Fairness Act of 2023
The bill would ensure that live poultry dealers are held accountable under the same regulatory standards as other livestock entities, which proponents argue will lead to fairer and more uniform practices within the poultry industry. By updating definitions and enforcement mechanisms within the Packers and Stockyards Act, the legislation addresses longstanding concerns about the treatment of poultry growers and aims to protect them from exploitative practices by dealers. Additionally, it seeks to repeal outdated sections of the Act that may no longer be applicable, thereby streamlining enforcement efforts.
SB2633, known as the Poultry Grower Fairness Act of 2023, seeks to amend the existing Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 to enhance the regulatory framework governing live poultry dealers. The proposed legislation aims to establish clear administrative enforcement authority over live poultry dealers by inserting necessary provisions into the current law. This includes granting the Secretary of Agriculture the power to enforce compliance and request temporary injunctions or restraining orders over poultry-related farming practices.
Despite its intended benefits, the bill has sparked debate among various stakeholders in the agricultural community. Advocates for the poultry industry promote the bill as a necessary step toward fairness, arguing it will empower growers and lead to better welfare standards for the animals. Conversely, opponents express concern that additional regulations may impose further burden and costs on live poultry dealers, potentially disrupting existing distribution networks and harming smaller business operations. The discussion around these impacts reflects broader tensions in agricultural regulation, balancing fairness for producers with economic viability.