The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) passed an action item during the 2024 Winter Policy Conference on Feb. 7 to declare the need to resume full federal cost-share for state meat and poultry inspection programs.
“To continue supporting and expanding the meat processing industry and the livestock sector, Congress and USDA must ensure consistent and reliable funding is available to sustain state meat and poultry inspection programs,” said Blayne Arthur, NASDA president and Oklahoma agriculture secretary. “State meat inspection programs provide services necessary for meat processors in many states. Recent funding shortfalls are detrimental to the resilience of state programs and must be immediately addressed.” Read more