WASHINGTON — 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.”

According to NASDA, while the USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) cooperative agreement model with states has historically provided up to the full 50% match required under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, states have seen a recent reduction in funds.

The new action item calls for NASDA members to urge Congress to require FSIS to provide at least 50% funding match to state departments of agriculture. NASDA will advocate for an increase in federal appropriations to FSIS to ensure the agency can adequately fund the state programs.

Currently, 29 state departments of agriculture operate state and federal meat and poultry inspection programs.

Through federal and state government funding aimed at supporting independent meat and poultry processors, state inspected slaughter establishments have surged. NASDA said the recent reduction in federal funding jeopardizes state services critical for assisting small to medium-sized processors to meet federal and state food safety regulations.