Washington’s Attorney General Bob Ferguson has reached a significant settlement with several chicken producers, marking a step forward in addressing alleged price manipulation. As part of the agreement, Ferguson’s office will distribute $40.6 million to Washington households affected by the scheme, which includes both chicken and tuna companies. This financial relief targets households with incomes up to 175% of the federal poverty level, benefiting an estimated 402,000 households and approximately 1.2 million residents, accounting for 15% of Washington’s total population.
The allocation of funds is structured to provide $50 to individuals living alone, amounting to around 134,000 residents, while larger households, numbering 268,100, will receive $120 each. Residents can expect to receive these compensation checks before the end of the year.
The state’s legal actions have already yielded results, with $35.5 million recovered from settlements with 15 of the 19 chicken producers named in the lawsuit. These companies were accused of participating in a conspiracy to artificially inflate prices dating back to 2008.
Looking ahead, the legal process continues with a trial set for October 2024 involving the remaining defendants: Foster Farms, House of Raeford, and the merged Wayne-Sanderson Farms entity. This ongoing legal action underscores Washington’s dedication to ensuring fair market practices and protecting consumers from potential price manipulation by corporate entities.
