ARLINGTON, VA – The Meat Institute today applauded U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins for reducing regulatory burdens for small meat processors as part of a “Small Processors Action Plan.”

“We appreciate the Food Safety and Inspection Service’s (FSIS) work to streamline and improve its communication and operations within small processing facilities,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “Small and very small processors provide jobs and invest in rural communities. They face unique challenges, with employees taking on many roles within a facility. These improvements should create real opportunities for growth and will improve daily operations.

“This plan will be especially beneficial to small beef processors who have been losing money due to the record high cost of cattle and other economic factors.

“The Meat Institute will continue to work with FSIS as it implements these changes to ensure they are effective and beneficial to our small and very small members.”

USDA says the Small Processors Action Plan will:

Improve customer service and responsiveness.

• Creating clearer, easier ways for small plants to submit and track appeals and requests.
• Establishing dedicated support to help small businesses navigate processes and get timely responses.
• Expanding access to assistance for plants with limited technology or connectivity.

Make requirements clearer and easier to navigate.

• Updating and expanding plain-language guidance by FSIS, tailored to small and very small plants.
• Improving visibility of available support, escalation paths, and points of contact
• Launching simpler tools to help plants engage with USDA systems.

Reduce unnecessary burdens while maintaining food safety.

• Streamlining processes related to FSIS inspection staffing concerns and appeals.
• Improving consistency and clarity across the field through targeted training and guidance.
• Strengthening coordination with the Small Business Administration to ensure small plants are aware of available resources.

About the Meat Institute

The Meat Institute represents the full community of people and companies who make the majority of meat American families rely on every day. The Meat Institute’s hands-on regulatory and technical expertise, proactive advocacy, unique convening power, collaboration within and beyond animal agriculture, and sector-leading continuous improvement initiatives drive relationships and resources that ensure meat continues to be a vital, trusted pillar of healthy diets and thriving communities for generations to come. To learn more, visit: MeatInstitute.org.