WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins recently announced the launch of the Small Processors Action Plan, a new plan set to better support small and very small meat processing plants. The course of action for this plan includes improving customer service, reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens, and maintaining strong food safety protections for consumers.
“Today … marks another step toward rebuilding our domestic beef industry, the actions contained in the new Small Processors Action Plan modernize USDA’s approach to the people and small businesses who process American, locally grown beef and protein,” Rollins said in a statement. “We are removing overly burdensome red tape, improving service, and giving small plants the clarity and support these business[es] need to operate safely, grow and compete. By expanding local processing capabilities, we’re continuing to bolster our domestic producers.”
“USDA’s Small Processors Action Plan will strengthen our food supply, expand access to high-quality protein, and support American farmers and ranchers,” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., said.
According to the USDA, small and very small plants make up the majority of federally inspected establishments and play a critical role in local economies, rural communities, and the resilience of the nation’s food supply.
The actions of the plan are specifically designed to make it easier for processing plants to get in touch with the USDA and get timely answers that resolve issues without minimizing inspection or food safety standards.
“Small and very small processors provide jobs and invest in rural communities,” Julie Anna Potts, Meat Institute president and CEO, said. “They face unique challenges, with employees taking on many roles within a facility.”
“These improvements should create real opportunities for growth and will improve daily operations,” Potts added. “This plan will be especially beneficial to small beef processors who have been losing money due to the record high costs of cattle and other economic factors. The Meat Institute will continue to work with (the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service) as it implements these changes to ensure they are effective and beneficial to our small and very small members.”
For specific parts of the action plan, such as improving customer service responsiveness, the USDA will:
- Create clearer, easier ways for small plants to submit and track appeals and requests.
- Establish dedicated support to help small businesses navigate processes and get timely responses.
- Expand access to assistance for plants with limited technology or connectivity.
For making requirements clearer and easier to navigate, the USDA will:
- Update and expand plain-language guidance by FSIS, tailored to small and very small plants.
- Improve visibility of available support, escalation paths, and points of contact.
- Launch simpler tools to help plants engage with USDA systems.
For reducing unnecessary burden while maintaining food safety, the USDA will:
- Streamline processes related to FSIS inspection staffing concerns and appeals.
- Improve consistency and clarity across the field through targeted training and guidance.
- Strengthen coordination with the Small Business Administration to ensure small plants are aware of available resources.
The plan’s action will go into effect immediately, and the USDA will stay in contact with the plants to ensure that the changes are effective and address real-world problems.
In addition to the Small Processors Action Plan, Rollins also announced that the USDA is accepting applications for the fourth round of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program to expand American meat and poultry processing, USDA said.
The $60 million funding for this fourth round of applications will be divided equally into two separate competitions: one for Small and Very Small Processors and one for Intermediate Processors, USDA added.
For more information about the Small Processors Action Plan and the fourth round of the MPPEP, visit the USDA website, www.usda.gov.
