FTC Chair Lina M. Khan Files Comment Supporting Proposed USDA Protections for Poultry Farmers

Today, Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina M. Khan submitted a comment supporting U.S. Department of Agriculture rules that address unfair contract terms and business practices in the poultry sector. Due to increasing concentration in the poultry sector in recent decades, poultry growers lack meaningful choice when seeking buyers for their birds. Notably, more than half of poultry growers must choose between just one or two poultry processors as potential buyers. The comment expresses support for potential rulemaking to prohibit a wide array of unfair, deceptive, and discriminatory business practices to revive competition in the poultry sector. The comment also states that a separate proposed rule that would require poultry processors to provide information about key aspects of their business relationship with poultry growers is a constructive first step toward a more fair and resilient food system.