March 17, 2009
USDA to help poultry growers affected by Pilgrim's Pride closures
USDA announced it will ensure poultry growers affected by Pilgrim's Pride closure of three processing plants will receive the full protections offered by the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act.
P&S Act is a federal that ensures fair trade and financial protection for producers and growers in the livestock and meat industries. As the plants close down, USDA's Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) will ensure that payment to growers is issued timely and that Pilgrim's procedures do not result in discrimination to growers.
The three plants, located in El Dorado, Ark.; Farmerville, La.; and Douglas, Ga., are scheduled to stop operations in mid-May 2009.
The three plants support the operations of over 420 contract poultry growers, and each plant is part of a complex that operates hatcheries and feed mills.
In addition, GIPSA will be available to answer growers' enquiries related to payment, and notify growers of their rights and the procedures to file claims should payment issues arise.
