# Plain Language Summary: Farm System Reform Act of 2021

This bill takes aim at large-scale industrial farming operations and the companies that control them. It has three main parts: stopping the growth of massive animal farms, strengthening rules against unfair business practices in meat production, and requiring clearer labels on meat and dairy products so you know where your food comes from.

The first major change is a freeze on large concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). These are massive facilities that confine thousands of animals in tight spaces—think 700 dairy cows, 2,500 pigs, or 30,000 chickens all in one operation. The bill says no new large CAFOs can be built or expanded starting immediately, and all existing large CAFOs must shut down by January 1, 2040. The bill also creates a $10 billion program to help farmers transition away from these operations by paying off their debts and helping them switch to other types of farming, like raising animals on pasture or growing specialty crops. To get this help, farmers have to agree never to use their land for these massive operations again.

The second part strengthens the Packers and Stockyards Act, which is supposed to prevent big meat companies from treating farmers unfairly. Right now, large companies that buy livestock from farmers often have so much power that they can dictate prices and terms. This bill makes it clearer that these companies are responsible for pollution, animal waste disposal, and any harm their operations cause to neighboring communities and the environment. It also makes it easier for people harmed by these operations to sue the companies and recover damages, including attorney fees.

The third part requires country-of-origin labeling on beef, pork, and dairy products. This means when you buy meat or milk, the label will tell you where the animal was raised and processed. This restores a labeling requirement that was previously removed, giving consumers more information about their food and potentially helping American farmers compete by letting people choose domestic products.

Farm System Reform Act of 2021

Khanna, Ro

Farm System Reform Act of 2021 This bill places a moratorium on large concentrated animal feeding operations; requires country-of-origin labeling for beef, pork, and dairy products; and otherwise revises provisions related to the marketing of livestock, poultry, and meat.