Thune, Colleagues Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand and Strengthen Local Meat Processing Capabilities
WASHINGTON U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and U.S. Reps. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.) today reintroduced the Strengthening Local Processing Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would provide much-needed federal support to America’s small meat and poultry processors and help strengthen and streamline their operations. The legislation would give small food processors more access to information that is critical to food safety planning, allow more inspector-approved meat products to be sold across state lines, and funnel federal dollars toward training, education, and technical assistance grants. The legislation is also co-sponsored by Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Angus King (D-Maine), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), and Bob Casey (D-Penn.) and Rep. Ann McLane Kuster (D-N.
2 months ago in Agriculture tomr Photo: WNAX
The Philippines’ government plans to hold a hearing to consider a proposal to reduce its pork tariffs for in-quota and out-quota imports. South Dakota Pork Producers Council President Shane Odegaard says that’s an encouraging development that will hopefully lead to more sale of U.S. pork to the Philippines.
He says trade remains a critical focus for America’s pork producers and each market possibility needs to be worked on.
Odegaard says when it comes to trade, it’s important to not only work with potential Southeast Asian customers like China, the Philippines and Vietnam but also other countries one wouldn’t normally think of.
Pierre, SD, USA / DRGNews
Jan 28, 2021 11:46 AM
U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX) introduced the Direct Interstate Retail Exemption for Certain Transactions (DIRECT) Act today (Jan. 28, 2021). This legislation will allow state inspected meat to be sold across state lines through e-commerce, allowing small producers and processors more options to directly market to consumers.
“Today, a few large players have too much control over our meat supply chains. In many states, state meat inspection is every bit as good as federal meat inspection,”
said Johnson. “The DIRECT Act would unlock the entrepreneurship of state-inspected processors without compromising food safety.”
Darwin Brandis/iStock/Getty Images Awards honor individuals, families and stakeholders for their part in helping state’s pork industry succeed.
The South Dakota Pork Producers Council (SDPPC) recently awarded several awards, celebrating individuals, families, and stakeholders for their part in helping the state’s pork industry succeed.
Shane Odegaard of Lake Preston, S.D., was honored with the 2020 Pork All-American Award at the Master Pork Producers Banquet during their 52nd annual Pork Congress in Sioux Falls.
Through the Pork All-American award, the SDPPC acknowledges pork producers or industry members who have established themselves as dedicated, involved businesspeople and leaders in their communities.
South Dakota pork producers recovering from COVID-19 struggles
South Dakota pork producers are healing after the packing industry collapsed in 2020 when workers began contracting COVID-19. Written By: Michelle Rook | ×
Attendees at the South Dakota Pork Congress are optimistic about 2021 after coming off a year filled with difficulties from the COVID-19 pandemic. (Michelle Rook / Agweek)
Pork producers are coming off a tough year due to COVID-19, but those attending the South Dakota Pork Congress were optimistic about 2021.
Craig Andersen, outgoing South Dakota Pork Producers Council president and Centerville, S.D., producer, said both producers and packers are healing after the industry collapsed starting in April. At that time meat processing facilities started to close due to COVID-19 related illnesses among workers in the plants.