(SEPTEMBER 23, 2021) – Through the Local Food Systems Response to COVID project, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) partnered with the Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network (NMPAN) to develop a new resource outlining considerations for starting a new meat plant. A resilient food system requires a diverse group of meat processors when it comes to scale, services provided, and location. …
(SEPTEMBER 15, 2021) – Last Friday, members of the United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) Independent Beef Processing Committee met with leadership at USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to discuss the agency’s updated guidance on mask use in “small” and “very small” plants, or those facilities with up to 499 employees. The same regulations imposed on large processing facilities are not feasible for small and …
(AUGUST 31, 2021) – On Monday, the United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) submitted comments in response to a Request for Information from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) related to Investments and Opportunities for Meat and Poultry Processing Infrastructure. In the comments, compiled by the Independent Beef Processors Committee, USCA makes several recommendations for how USDA can best utilize up to $500 million in investments …
(MAY 28, 2021) – Regarding the report being circulated on Capitol Hill by the North American Meat Institute (NAMI) titled “Common Beef Market Myths and Facts“, United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) President Brooke Miller issued the following statement: “USCA appreciates the commitment of U.S. livestock groups to expanding the capacity of our nation’s meat processing facilities. It would be helpful …
(APRIL 2, 2021) – In response to a request for feedback by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) on the development of coronavirus response programs, the United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) submitted specific recommendations the Department could implement in a food purchase and distribution program to truly benefit American livestock producers and processors. Current beef and …
(MARCH 1, 2021) – On Tuesday, February 23, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.), joined by Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to support small meat and poultry processors. The Strengthening Local Processing Act will increase options for local livestock and poultry producers and assist smaller facilities as they adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic …