Ground beef prices have jumped nearly 19% over the past year, according to the Center for American Progress, and Sen. Chuck Schumer says meat industry consolidation is helping drive the increase.
Speaking in upstate New York on Memorial Day, Schumer promoted the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act, which would force large meatpackers to focus on a single protein market like beef, pork or chicken. He argued companies including Tyson, JBS, Cargill and National Beef hold too much control over prices consumers see at grocery stores.
The proposal also would support smaller meatpacking operations and farmer cooperatives looking to expand. Industry analysts say drought conditions and rising demand for beef have also tightened supplies nationwide.
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