NFU Asks Senate To Support Interstate Meat Shipment
WASHINGTON – National Farmers Union today expressed support for increasing competition in the meat industry by allowing the interstate sale of state inspected meat products. Under current law, certain state inspected meat products cannot be sold across state lines, despite being required to meet equal federal inspection standards.
5 October 2007
2 minute read
“Inadequate market competition is one of the greatest challenges facing independent livestock producers and a major reason why so many family farmers and ranchers have been forced out of business” NFU President Tom Buis said.
“Inadequate market competition is one of the greatest challenges facing independent livestock producers and a major reason why so many family farmers and ranchers have been forced out of business”
NFU President Tom Buis
NFU has a long-standing policy supporting the elimination of the interstate ban and believes the legislation will level the playing field for small farms and businesses while increasing standard safety measures for American consumers.
Current law allows some meat products such as venison, pheasant and quail to be shipped between states without restriction. Foreign meat and poultry also does not face restriction in interstate trading, while domestic meat is blocked. National Farmers Union supports expanding the market opportunities for farms to create fair trade and economic equality for small farms.
“We allow imported meat products from other parts of the world but are not allowed to sell North Dakota products to South Dakota. That simply doesn’t make sense,” Buis said. “The state inspection programs ensure safe, high quality meat products are available to consumers.”
The farm bill passed by the House this summer would allow for the interstate sale of state inspected meat by states that enter into a cooperative agreement with the federal government and meet additional federal guidelines. The Senate is planning to consider farm bill negotiations this week.
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