AFPI Applauds USDA’s New SPUR Program for Ranchers

WASHINGTON, D.C.— The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) has issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s newly announced “Strengthening Processing for U.S. Ranchers (SPUR)” program and increased funding for small and mid-size beef processors.

The SPUR program will establish necessary support to help rebuild American processing capacity, drive food security, and deliver real support for producer families in the beef industry.

“American ranchers should not have to depend on foreign countries or meat-packing giants to get their products to market,” said Christie Mullin, chair of Rural Policy at AFPI. “But because of the large-scale consolidation of the beef processing market over the past few decades, they often don’t have other options. The USDA’s new program is necessary to promote competition, expand options, provide certainty for producers to build their businesses on, and most importantly, allow families to continue supplying their neighbors with quality, American beef.”

With additional financial support, small and mid-sized processors will be able to survive today’s historically tight cattle herd numbers and increase competition in the processing market that will benefit the industry as a whole. This program will produce greater market access for ranchers, stronger American-owned processors, and a more secure U.S. beef supply.

To learn more about AFPI’s Farmers First Agenda, click here.