Farm bill offers new option to local meat producers
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
A provision in the new farm bill might lead to expansions for small local meat processors.
Currently, only federally inspected large meat packers can sell their products across state lines. The new law says small state inspected meat packers can also sell their products nationwide.
Roger Johnson, North Dakota's Ag Commissioner and President of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, says small meat packers will now have a chance to grow.
"Anything you can do to increase competition in this marketplace that's becoming so concentrated is going to be good for everyone in the industry, and ultimately it will be good for the consumer as well," said Johnson.
It will likely be at least a year before USDA writes the rules for the expanded marketing of meat.
Johnson says all of the plants will be inspected using federal food safety standards.
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.