Russ Feingold: “In particular, I am deeply disappointed to learn that the pork division of Farmland Foods has been sold to Smithfield…”

“In particular, I am deeply disappointed to learn that the pork division of Farmland Foods has been sold to Smithfield Foods in a bankruptcy auction. Acquisition of Farmland Foods by either of the auction's bidders, Smithfield Foods and Cargill, has significant potential to lessen competition, harming both farmers and consumers. As I travel around my home State of Wisconsin, agricultural concentration is raised by farmers and growers on a consistent basis. I am greatly concerned that industry trends toward consolidation and concentration are causing great disruption, and sometimes ruin, for our Nation's small- and medium-sized producers. It is my understanding that this acquisition would give Smithfield control of a significant portion of the pork processing industry in the U.S. market access for small and independent pork producers is already inadequate, and this merger will only exacerbate the problems of discrimination, a lack of negotiating power, and the low prices that farmers face.”