PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Jun 15, 2000
Fair Play for Family Farms Act of 2000 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to monitor competitive conditions in the agricultural economy and review specified mergers or acquisitions.(Sec.4) Establishes within the Department of Justice an Assistant Attorney General for Agriculture Competition, who shall be responsible for agriculture-related antitrust matters. Authorizes appropriations.(Sec. 5) Amends the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 to require, with exemptions, livestock dealers (including market agencies) to hold in trust proceeds from livestock purchased in cash sales for the benefit of all unpaid cash sellers of such livestock until receipt of full payment. Authorizes monetary penalties for violations of such provisions.(Sec. 7) Authorizes appropriations for additional Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration staff, including litigating attorneys, in order to monitor the meat packing industry.(Sec. 8) Directs the Comptroller General of the General Accounting Office to study whether disparities exist in the Administration's authority respecting the poultry, beef, and pork industries.(Sec. 9) States that non-trade secret confidentiality clauses in livestock or grain production contracts are unenforceable.(Sec. 10) Directs the Administration to establish a trust fund for producers harmed by packer anticompetitive behavior.
People & committees
Sen. Ashcroft, John [R-MO] · R–MO
Legislative record
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Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S5271-5272)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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