Arkansas meat inspection program earns federal approval

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

Gov. Asa Hutchinson, state legislators, agriculture industry leaders, and the Arkansas Department of Agriculture announced Oct. 4 approval of the state meat inspection program, finalized in a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

“In 2020, the food supply chain was disrupted, and Arkansas’ meat production was severely limited. The creation of the Arkansas Meat and Poultry Processing grant and the State Meat Inspection Program will provide a much-needed boost to our processing capacity,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson said.

Arkansas joins 28 states participating in FSIS’s State Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) programs. These programs allow state inspectors to ensure program enforcement and regulatory compliance in small establishments operating within the state. The MPI programs must develop, administer, and enforce requirements “at least equal to” those set forth in the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA).

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/10/arkansas-meat-inspection-program-earns-federal-approval/

Arkansas Farm Bureau Supports Meat Inspection Expansion in State

Arkansas Farm Bureau officials said the strong response to a new $5 million grant program for expanding and upgrading Arkansas meat processing facilities highlights the need for reviving a state meat inspection program. Last month, the General Assembly allocated funds from the federal CARES Act to create the grant program, which generated 45 applications requesting more than $30 million in funds.

The grant program is designed to increase meat packing capacity in Arkansas in order to provide Arkansas families, restaurants and schools with more high-quality, locally produced protein products. The program will be administered through the Arkansas Department of Agriculture.

https://talkbusiness.net/2020/10/arkansas-farm-bureau-supports-meat-inspection-expansion-in-state

Arkansas Farm Bureau supports meat inspection expansion in state - Talk Business & Politics

Arkansas Farm Bureau officials said the strong response to a new $5 million grant program for expanding and upgrading Arkansas meat processing facilities highlights the need for reviving a state meat inspection program. Last month, the General Assembly allocated funds from the federal CARES Act to create the grant program, which generated 45 applications requesting more than $30 million in funds.