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Support for Small Meat Processors: Safety, Growth, and Local Access

This act aims to support small and very small meat and poultry processing facilities. It introduces new food safety guidelines, increases federal financial support for state inspections, and eases interstate sales for these businesses. Additionally, it establishes grant and training programs to help these companies grow and adapt, potentially leading to greater availability of local meat and poultry products for consumers.
Key points
New Food Safety Guidelines: Small facilities will get free databases and model plans to more easily meet food safety requirements (HACCP).
Increased Inspection Support: The federal government will cover a larger share of state meat and poultry inspection costs (from 50% to 65%), potentially improving oversight.
Easier Interstate Sales: The employee limit for companies allowed to sell products across state lines has been increased (from 25 to 50), opening new markets for local producers.
Grants for Growth and Safety: Grants up to $500,000 will be available for modernization, equipment purchase, employee safety improvements, and adapting to challenges, including those related to the pandemic.
Training Programs: New training programs for meat and poultry processing workers will be established, helping develop local workforce and increase availability of skilled labor.
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Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_1258
Sponsor: Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1]
Process start date: 2021-02-23
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2021

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_1258.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-02-23.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • New Food Safety Guidelines: Small facilities will get free databases and model plans to more easily meet food safety requirements (HACCP).
  • Increased Inspection Support: The federal government will cover a larger share of state meat and poultry inspection costs (from 50% to 65%), potentially improving oversight.
  • Easier Interstate Sales: The employee limit for companies allowed to sell products across state lines has been increased (from 25 to 50), opening new markets for local producers.
  • Grants for Growth and Safety: Grants up to $500,000 will be available for modernization, equipment purchase, employee safety improvements, and adapting to challenges, including those related to the pandemic.
  • Training Programs: New training programs for meat and poultry processing workers will be established, helping develop local workforce and increase availability of skilled labor.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-27.

CATEGORIES

Agriculture Economy Health