Press Release
ARLINGTON, Va. – Following today’s announcement of “USDA’s Plan to Bolster Food Safety,” National Association of State Departments of Agriculture CEO Ted McKinney praised its commitment to better equip USDA Food Safety Inspection Service inspectors and strengthen state partnerships.
“NASDA commends Secretary Rollins for including states as key partners in USDA’s Plan to Bolster Food Safety. State meat and poultry inspection programs have been and continue to be essential to protecting consumers and supporting small and mid-sized producers and processors. This collaboration strengthens our food system and delivers clear benefits to farmers, processors and consumers nationwide,” NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said.
Background
Twenty-nine states currently lead state meat and/or poultry inspection programs through USDA FSIS cooperative agreements. These inspection programs support about 1,450 small- and medium-sized meat and poultry processors. These agreements are funded primarily through the Talmadge-Aiken and Cooperative Interstate Shipping Programs administered by USDA FSIS.
NASDA also praised USDA’s increase in funding for USDA food safety cooperative agreement programs earlier this year, which reinforced the vital role states play in ensuring a safe, resilient food supply and ensures that more efficient processing options for local livestock producers remain in operation.
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NASDA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association which represents the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries and directors of the departments of agriculture in all 50 states and four U.S. territories. NASDA enhances American food and agricultural communities through policy, partnerships and public engagement. To learn more about NASDA, please visit www.nasda.org.
