New opportunity for small meat processors in US states

Indiana has become the latest among a handful of states taking action to help provide new opportunities for small businesses processing meat, the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced.

Indiana has joined USDA’s Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program, which gives certain selected small and very small state-inspected meat processors the option to ship meat and poultry products bearing an official USDA Mark of Inspection across state lines. These efforts are part of USDA’s commitment to America’s small and midsized farmers and ranchers.

Indiana joins Ohio, North Dakota and Wisconsin in the voluntary shipment program designed to expand market opportunities for America’s small meat and poultry producers and processors, strengthen state and local economies, and increase consumer access to safe, locally-produced food.

“This program plays an important role in expanding opportunities for local producers and small businesses, while also ensuring that a robust food safety inspection system is maintained to protect consumers,” said Brian Ronholm, USDA Acting Under Secretary for Food Safety.

State-inspected establishments selected to participate in the program are required to comply with federal standards under the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) and the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA). The facilities receive inspection services from state inspection personnel that have been trained in FMIA and PPIA requirements. The facilities are then allowed to sell and ship their products outside their home states.

The Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program was established by the 2008 Farm Bill. In 2011, USDA finalised regulations to allow state employees to administer federal regulations and use the USDA Mark of Inspection at selected establishments. Prior to instituting the program, state-inspected businesses did not have the opportunity to sell products outside their state.