Proposed bill would lower grocery costs, targets meat monopolies
Proposed bill would lower grocery costs, targets meat monopolies
by: Courtney Ward
Posted: May 25, 2026 / 02:24 PM EDT
Updated: May 25, 2026 / 04:19 PM EDT
Related video: Rising beef prices impact local businesses
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Sen. Chuck Schumer unveiled new legislation aimed at bringing down the cost of meat. If passed, it would break up monopolies in meatpacking and restore competition.
Schumer introduced the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act on Monday at Avon Meat Market in Schenectady.
“Groceries just saw the biggest price hike in years, and beef is at record highs. Corporate giants that dominate the meat market and set prices sky-high for families, all while squeezing profits from farmers by eliminating competition, and it needs to end,” Schumer said. “That’s why I’m announcing the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act to lower grocery costs. Local businesses like Avon Meat Market want to work with local farmers and keep their prices down, but they get hurt by big corporations and suppliers rigging the game against them. As grocery costs keep soaring, this bill will work to fix it.”
According to Schumer, Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill, and National Beef control 85% of the beef market, 67% of the pork market, and 60% of the chicken market. He said his bill would break up dominant meatpackers and stop unfair pricing that drives up the cost of groceries.
According to analysis from the Urban Institute, New York’s 20th Congressional District, which covers all of Albany, Saratoga, and Schenectady counties, and parts of Montgomery and Rensselaer counties, has experienced some of the fastest price growth for groceries in the country in the past 10 years. Grocery prices have increased by more than 30 percent, going from $860 to $1,150 each month.