Us Code § 229b - Right to discuss terms of contract

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 229b — Right to discuss terms of contract, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 229b. Right to discuss terms of contract

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Producer

The term "producer" means any person engaged in the raising and caring for livestock or poultry for slaughter.

(2) Processor

The term "processor" means any person engaged in the business of obtaining livestock or poultry for the purpose of slaughtering the livestock or poultry.

(b) No prohibition of discussion

Notwithstanding a provision in any contract between a producer and a processor for the production of livestock or poultry, or in any marketing agreement between a producer and a processor for the sale of livestock or poultry for a term of 1 year or more, that provides that information contained in the contract is confidential, a party to the contract shall not be prohibited from discussing any terms or details of the contract with—

(1) a Federal or State agency;

(2) a legal adviser to the party;

(3) a lender to the party;

(4) an accountant hired by the party;

(5) an executive or manager of the party;

(6) a landlord of the party; or

(7) a member of the immediate family of the party.

(c) Effect on State laws

Subsection (b) does not—

(1) preempt any State law that addresses confidentiality provisions in contracts for the sale or production of livestock or poultry, except any provision of State law that makes lawful a contract provision that prohibits a party from, or limits a party in, engaging in discussion that subsection (b) requires to be permitted; or

(2) deprive any State court of jurisdiction under any such State law.

(d) Applicability

This section applies to each contract described in subsection (b) that is entered into, amended, renewed, or extended after May 13, 2002.

(Pub. L. 107–171, title X, §10503, May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 510.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, and not as part of the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, which comprises this chapter.

About This Section

7 U.S.C. § 229b is part of Title 7 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 7 U.S.C. § 229b. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

Using This Page

This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 229b

What does United States Code § 229b cover?

Section 229b ("Right to discuss terms of contract") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 229b?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 229b" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 229b apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.