President Donald Trump signed two executive orders on Friday aimed at strengthening the U.S. cattle sector, reducing regulatory obstacles, and expanding market opportunities for meat producers. The measures seek to empower ranchers against large processing companies while modernizing federal regulations governing livestock production.
The main initiative will allow certain ranchers to process their own meat and sell it to consumers in other states, a measure the administration presents as a significant change to increase competition in an industry dominated by four major processing companies. Trump described this concentration as a monopoly and argued that producers need alternatives to avoid relying solely on large corporations.
''For the first time, we are going to give farmers and ranchers the right to process their own food,'' Trump stated during the announcement, made alongside ranchers and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. The president emphasized that the goal is to offer American meat under strict safety controls while also driving down prices for consumers.
President Donald Trump announced the signing of two decrees to strengthen the livestock market in the United States
The executive order instructs the Department of Agriculture to modernize meat inspections to focus on essential food safety aspects, incorporate new technologies, and improve process efficiency. The administration believes that eliminating unnecessary requirements will reduce costs for producers without compromising food safety.
Another central component of the measure is to strengthen the enforcement of the ''Packers and Stockyards Act,'' aimed at protecting producers from unfair trade practices. Rollins will need to prioritize investigations into potential violations, increase federal resources allocated to these procedures, and review existing policies to enhance rancher protection and create greater deterrent mechanisms.
The Trump administration will also create a ''one-stop shop'' system within the Department of Agriculture to help producers access federal licenses, understand available inspection options, and obtain training and resources for small and very small processing plants. The initiative aims to facilitate more producers entering interstate markets and reduce the bureaucratic burden they currently face.
Additionally, a loan program called ''Strengthening Processing for U.S. Ranchers'' will be established to support small and regional processors. The funds can be used to maintain operations, expand facilities, and increase the diversity of meat products processed in the United States.
The U.S. president instructed the Secretary of Agriculture to review policies to improve protection for ranchers
The second executive order focuses on expanding the protection of ranchers' interests and reviewing federal regulations affecting the sector. Donald Trump ordered the modernization of agency policies to favor producers and requested a review of regulations related to Mexican gray wolves.
In particular, the administration will assess whether these animals can be removed from the endangered species list or moved to a lower protection category. The measure responds to concerns from ranchers who argue that wolves can pose a threat to livestock.
Together, the orders represent an effort by the Trump administration to promote greater competition in the meat market, strengthen small producers, and reduce regulations deemed excessive. The approach aims to benefit both ranchers, through greater marketing opportunities and access to financing, and consumers, through a greater supply and the possibility of more competitive prices.
The aim of the decrees signed by Trump will be to achieve greater competition from suppliers while seeking better prices for consumers
