The Meat Institute sent a letter to President Donald Trump on January 27, 2025, outlining key regulatory concerns affecting the meat and poultry industry. Signed by Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts, the letter congratulates Trump on his inauguration and urges his administration to take immediate action to reduce regulatory burdens that contribute to rising food costs.
The Meat Institute, representing more than 95% of U.S. meat and poultry packers and processors, argues that excessive regulations implemented by the previous administration have driven up meat prices and hindered economic growth. To address these issues, the organization requests the Trump administration to:
- Rescind USDA rules related to competition, poultry grower payments, and Salmonella regulations in raw poultry.
- Withdraw an EPA rule imposing new water discharge standards on meat and poultry processors, citing underestimated compliance costs that could force facilities to close.
- Reinstate higher line speeds for pork and poultry processing to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
The Meat Institute emphasizes that deregulation will help lower food prices, boost industry productivity, and support American consumers.