INTERNATIONAL meat processor JBS has reportedly agreed to pay a group United States cattle producers US$83.5m to settle a class action brought against the country’s biggest processors.

Lobby group R-CALF, alongside the National Farmers Union and four fed cattle producers filed the action against in 2019 JBS, Tyson, Cargill and National Beef alleging they conspired to restrict beef supply and artificially inflate prices.

R-CALF in a media release stated JBS had agreed to pay $83.5m to settle out of court. They were calling on the Federal District Court to grant approval for the settlement, which would need to be done by a judge.

According to other media reports, JBS has maintained its innocence and says the settlement is not an admission of guilt.

“We’re pleased to have reached this settlement with JBS and we look forward to prosecuting our claims against the remaining Defendants, Tyson, Cargill and National Beef,” said R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard.