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Vilsack asked about trade aid to JBS

A member of Congress is pressing USDA to end trade aid to JBS.  Connecticut Democrat Rosa DeLauro asked Secretary Tom Vilsack during a House subcommittee hearing Wednesday why JBS received more than 100-million dollars as part of USDA’s trade aid package and additional procurement contracts through the Agricultural Marketing Service. “That concerns me because the Batista brothers who own the parent company have pled guilty to violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act in relation to their illegal entry to and consolidation of the U.S. meat packing sector.”

DeLauro asked Vilsack if the federal procurement process should be used to support local farmers and regional food systems instead of what she calls “a corporate monopoly.” Vilsack agrees, saying, “We have to take a look at the procurement power of the federal government in making sure that we are incenting and awarding proper behavior, if you will, good employers.”

Vilsack says it’s not just the government procurement programs that need examination. “I think it’s a lot more. I think it’s our regulatory structure and system in terms of the Packers and Stockyards Act to make sure that that is being appropriately enforced and is strengthened.”

Vilsack also says the committee has already provided resources to give USDA creative opportunities to expand processing capacity and competition.  Vilsack also says USDA will be taking a closer look at recent issues involving the treatment of meatpacking workers.