WASHINGTON – Following the US Department of Agriculture’s proposed rule changes for poultry marketing disclosure requirements, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) approved of the possible adjustments by the agency.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall threw his support behind the proposed initiatives. 

“Farmers deserve to know what they are getting into, and to understand how they are being paid,” Duvall said. “Making sure farmers have access to important information about their poultry company, inputs, stocking densities and feed disruptions is good for everyone in the food value chain.”

The USDA is examining the current tournament-style system in poultry growing and the benefits of more input from the producers. 

“There are no simple answers for all the challenges that poultry growers face, but it is important that steps are taken to make improvements where possible,” Duvall added. “We look forward to reviewing these proposals in detail and we stand ready to work with USDA to ensure farmers can continue putting dinner on the table for America’s families.”

Industry trade groups, including the National Chicken Council and the North American Meat Institute, have both come out against the new changes to the rules. 

“While the Meat Institute supports transparency in meat and poultry markets, we are still reviewing the rule proposed,” said Julie Anna Potts, president and chief executive officer of NAMI. “And we remain concerned about further government intrusion in the market through possible proposed rules mentioned in the Advance Notice of Proposed Rule Making.”