Source: NATIONAL SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE COALITION, 3/28/17


In 1920, there was the “Big Five” of meatpackers; today, we have the “Big Four” – or the “Big Three” if you’re talking poultry. Consolidation is a problem in industry because too much control can easily lead to an abuse of power. Abuses of power in an overly consolidated meatpacking and processing industry were identified in America nearly 100 years ago, and were the impetus for the passage of the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921. The Act was designed to decentralize the power of the Big Five and to prevent industry abuses included but not limited to: manipulation of markets, restricting the flow of foods, defrauding producers and/or consumers of food, engaging in deceptive or unfair practices, and giving undue preference to persons or localities.

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