Support for Small Meat & Poultry Processors: Food Safety & Local Growth
This act aims to support small and very small meat and poultry processing facilities in the U.S. It introduces new food safety guidelines, increases financial support for state inspections, and eases interstate product sales. Additionally, it establishes grant and training programs to help these businesses grow and increase the availability of local meat and poultry products for consumers.
Key points
Easier compliance with food safety standards for small meat and poultry processors through free databases and model plans.
Increased federal financial support for state meat and poultry inspections from 50% to 65% of costs.
Expansion of the cooperative interstate shipment program, allowing small facilities to sell products across state lines, by raising the employee limit from 25 to 50.
Establishment of a grant program up to $500,000 to increase resilience and diversification of the meat processing system, prioritizing increased farmer access to slaughter options.
Introduction of career training programs for employees and owners of small meat and poultry processing facilities, with grants for educational institutions and the businesses themselves.
Introduced
Citizen Poll