Press Releases

Washington, DC— Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States (A-PLUS) Act. Reps. Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and Dusty Johnson (SD-AL) are original cosponsors of the legislation.

The A-PLUS Act will expand consumer choice for meat products, especially local options, by increasing processing capacity through reduced regulatory roadblocks to spur additional competition.

Read the full text of the legislation here.

“The A-PLUS Act will modernize livestock regulations to ensure government policy is consistent with our 21^st Century marketplace,” said Rep. Alford. “For decades, restrictive rules have prevented smaller and local meat processors from competing. By reforming these burdensome restrictions, we’re working to level the playing field, without sacrificing consumer safety. This commonsense legislation is a win for ranchers, auctions, consumers, and the entire livestock ecosystem. I’m proud to once again lead this bipartisan bill with my colleagues Congressmen Panetta and Johnson, as well as Senators Luján and Ernst.”

“For too long, outdated regulations have restricted competition and limited opportunities for small and regional meat processors, putting unnecessary strain on producers and consumers alike,” said Rep. Panetta. “The A-PLUS Act is a commonsense fix that will open doors for livestock auction market owners to invest in smaller packing facilities, increasing processing capacity and strengthening our food supply chain. By modernizing these rules, we can create more competition in the marketplace, support local economies, and ensure that producers have more options to bring their livestock to market.”

“We need to add processing capacity, particularly outside of the largest meat packers,” said Rep. D. Johnson. “To get that done, we need to pass our bill eliminating barriers that keep people from making those investments.”

The Senate version of this legislation is led by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM).

“Removing outdated regulations that hinder the livestock industry should be a no-brainer,” said Senator Ernst. “Allowing livestock auction markets to invest in small meat processing facilities will reduce market consolidation, decrease reliance on federal funding, and provide small producers with much-needed processing options. I’m proud to strengthen local food systems, increase competition, and ultimately lower meat costs for consumers through this effort.”

“Lowering costs for New Mexicans and increasing competitiveness for local producers will support local economies and livelihoods – especially in our rural communities,” said Senator Luján. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Ernst to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation to remove outdated regulations that hinder producers’ ability to increase livestock processing capacity. This is a priority for New Mexico, and I will continue to advocate for it in the Farm Bill.”

Missouri’s Livestock Community Supports Rep. Alford’s A-PLUS Act:

“Missouri pork producers applaud Congressman Alford for again leading the bipartisan, bicameral A-PLUS Act,” said Scott Hays, Executive Director of the Missouri Pork Association. “By modernizing an outdated regulation, this legislation enhances market opportunities, expands consumer choices, and boosts processing capacity at the local level.” 

“Missouri’s cattle industry commends Congressman Alford for leading the charge on common-sense market policy removing outdated and unnecessary government regulations,” said Jeff Reed, Missouri Cattlemen's Association President. “Expanding packer competition for livestock and processing capacity at the local level will afford all segments of this industry the opportunity to be profitable.”

Background:

Since the enactment of the Packers and Stockyards Act in1921, the livestock industry has grown and modernized. Despite an increase in demand, outdated regulations have unreasonably restricted the industry’s presence in the marketplace and put American food supply chains at risk. The A-PLUS Act corrects this issue by allowing livestock auction market owners to invest in small and regional packing facilities. 

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