The guest post from the Flower Hill Institute outlines progress made in diversifying and strengthening the meat and poultry processing industry in the US through the Biden Administration’s funding initiatives, such as cooperative expansions, regional enterprises, and tribal initiatives. Despite significant demand for resources, the post highlights challenges and emphasizes the importance of sustained funding, technical assistance, and regulatory support for small processors to ensure continued growth and resilience in the sector…. Read More →
Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network
Getting into the Meat of it: 2020 Small Plant Report Developments
The Niche Meat Processors Assistance Network, in cooperation with the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC), released a report to the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) in December of 2020. The report found that Small and Very Small (SVS) meat processors are underrepresented in the regulatory and policy making process and experience a disproportionately higher number of regulatory sanctions than large processors. In response, the report outlined several recommendations aimed at improving the food safety and inspection system for SVS processors. … Read More →
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Releases New Resources for Small Processors
In February 2022, USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service’s (FSIS) announced that their Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) Validation webpage was updated to include validation studies that can be used to support HACCP plans for fermented products, salt-cured products, and dried products. This was based on recommendations from a 2020 report addressing guidance, tools, outreach, and responsiveness to the needs of smaller-scale meat processors…. Read More →