WHAT HAPPENED: USDA’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) mission area this week announced a reorganization of the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), along with the appointment of Kelly Moore as permanent Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). On the AMS side, the agency will restructure its Fair Trade Practices Program by moving commodity-specific functions into the appropriate AMS commodity or service programs. Most notably for the chicken industry, the Packers and Stockyards Division will move to the Livestock and Poultry Program. USDA says the changes will be accompanied by no reduction in force.
WHY IT MATTERS: The Packers and Stockyards Division’s move to the Livestock and Poultry Program is the most significant piece of this reorganization for NCC members. USDA says the realignment is intended to reduce siloing, streamline communication, and give industry stakeholders a single point of contact for AMS-related issues — which could mean more direct and efficient engagement on issues like Packers and Stockyards regulations. Moore’s permanent appointment at APHIS brings stability to an agency that plays a critical role in managing animal disease threats, including HPAI and New World Screwworm.
WHAT’S NEXT: AMS says it will gradually reduce its Washington, D.C.-area footprint, with most future hiring occurring in USDA hub cities or field offices. Both AMS and APHIS have pledged continued stakeholder engagement throughout the transition. NCC will monitor how the Packers and Stockyards Division’s integration into the Livestock and Poultry Program affects day-to-day industry engagement and ongoing regulatory proceedings.
