MADISON, WIS. — The American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP) recently wrote a letter to lawmakers in Wisconsin responding to news the Meat Talent Development Program (MTDP) might be removed from the budget of the Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection.

The Joint Finance Committee for the state legislature previously stated it would remove some agriculture line items, including the MTDP, from the 2025-27 budget recommendation by Governor Tony Evers.

Chris Young, executive director of AAMP, noted in the letter that the funding has been utilized recently, including at the Humane Handling Institute (HHI) at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

“Since its inception, the HHI has become a vital tool for meat processors to grow their understanding and expertise in humane handling and stunning of animals for the meat industry,” Young wrote. “We have shared HHI’s infographics and videos frequently with our members to help them with their stunning proficiency.”

Other programs started with the MTDP include a meat industry high school curriculum for Wisconsin agricultural education programs. The concept was to make high school students aware of careers in the meat industry.

The program also provided reimbursement for HACCP training held at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Meat Science and Animal Biologics Discovery Center.

“The continued funding of the Meat Talent Development Program will help encourage students to consider a career in the meat industry, provide training opportunities for industry professionals, and strengthen Wisconsin’s agriculture sector,” Young added. “Moreover, the effects of the MTDP have made the state of Wisconsin a resource of information that benefits the industry as a whole.”

The initial meat talent development assistance was introduced in 2022, with funding provided by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).