USDA Announces $14.5 Million Funding Boost for State Meat and Poultry Inspection Programs

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U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide an additional $14.5 million in reimbursements to support state-operated meat and poultry inspection programs. The funding increase, authorized under the USDA’s existing authority, aims to ensure the continued safety and availability of American-produced meat and poultry products.

"This funding is critical to safeguarding the food supply chain and supporting state inspection programs that are on the front lines of ensuring meat and poultry products are safe for American families," said Secretary Rollins. "Without this support, states may face challenges maintaining these vital inspection operations."

State meat and poultry inspection programs, which operate under cooperative agreements with the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), are essential to overseeing locally produced food products. These programs must maintain standards equivalent to those of the federal inspection system.

The $14.5 million reimbursement increase will help states meet rising operational costs and staffing needs, enabling them to continue high-quality inspection services without interruption. These services are key to ensuring consumer confidence in the safety of meat and poultry products and supporting local producers in bringing their products to market.

"This investment not only protects public health, but also strengthens our food system and supports economic activity in rural communities," Secretary Rollins added.

The USDA reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with state partners to maintain strong and reliable food safety systems across the country.