NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is looking to speed up processing lines at certain meat plants to reduce consumer food costs. The proposed changes would allow some poultry and pork plants to operate at higher speeds if their equipment and food safety records support it.
The USDA says federal inspectors would remain on site and could slow or stop production if inspections cannot be done properly.
In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the measure will remove outdated bottlenecks and help keep groceries more affordable. The proposal will be open to public comment for 60 days after publication.
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is praising the move, saying, in part:
“Thank you, Secretary Rollins and the Food Safety and Inspection Service, for taking steps to unleash the potential to process pork more efficiently while also protecting food and worker safety.”
NPPC Executive Board Member Lori Stevermer joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to discuss the USDA’s recent announcement regarding new line speed rules.
Stevermer, who has advocated for increased line speeds since 2019, explained what the change could mean for pork producers and processing capacity.
In her interview with RFD NEWS, Stevermer also shared pork producers’ support of the House Agriculture Committee’s latest Farm Bill proposal released last Friday and discussed what the legislation could mean for producers.
The draft includes a federal fix to state laws spurred by California’s Proposition 12, a move the industry says will help keep pork affordable.
Stevermer provided background on the impact of Proposition 12 on the pork industry, outlining how the state law has affected production and market dynamics nationwide. She then broke down what the proposed federal fix in the House Farm Bill is aiming to accomplish. The conversation also addressed potential ripple effects if a federal solution is not enacted, including impacts on consumers and U.S. trading partners. Finally, Stevermer outlined the next steps in the legislative process and whether she is hopeful the provision will remain intact as the bill moves forward.
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