LUBBOCK, TX – USDA is working to reduce regulatory barriers and costs for small meat processors while keeping federal food-safety standards in place. Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Mindy Brashears says the department is targeting paperwork, outdated requirements and other hurdles that can make expansion difficult.
Brashears says federal inspection itself is government-funded, meaning plants are not charged for an inspector during regular inspection hours. USDA inspectors are available nationwide, including in remote areas, and the department is using technology and other tools to improve access.
The agency also has programs intended to help plants cover certain costs. Brashears says small plants can receive reimbursement for eligible overtime or holiday inspection fees, while grant support can help with renovations, equipment and changes needed to meet inspection requirements.
A recently announced state-access funding program is also intended to help processors move toward state or federal inspection. The transcript did not provide a funding amount or detailed eligibility requirements.
USDA says the goal is to expand processing opportunities for ranchers and small businesses without weakening inspection requirements or food-safety protections.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Lower regulatory and startup barriers could give producers more access to inspected processing without changing federal food-safety standards.