Ag News

USDA to increase funding for meat and poultry inspections

On May 27, the USDA announced it will exercise its authority to provide a funding increase of $14.5 million in reimbursements to states for meat and poultry inspection programs. Without this funding, states may not have the resources to continue their own inspection programs which ensure products are safe. This funding increase ensures American-produced meat and poultry can make it to market and onto the tables of families across the country, the USDA said.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the funding will ensure services that meat and poultry processors and producers rely on will continue to operate on a normal basis. She also noted that the shortfall in funding for inspectors is addressed in President Donald Trump’s 2026 budget proposal.

“State meat and poultry inspection programs are vital to maintaining a safe and resilient food system, especially for small and medium-sized producers and processors. On behalf of the state departments of agriculture, NASDA applauds Secretary Rollins and USDA-FSIS for providing an additional $14.54 million to increase the reimbursement rate for this critical state cooperative agreement in this fiscal year,” said CEO Ted McKinney of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. “In recent years, USDA has been providing states with significantly less funding, challenging states’ ability to provide inspection services. Increasing the reimbursement rate for states participating in this cooperative agreement ensures that more efficient processing options for local livestock producers remain in operation, especially for smaller farms. We were also encouraged that the President's budget included a similar funding request for state meat and poultry inspection programs. We will continue to advocate for Congress to appropriate this essential funding. This investment helps safeguard consumers, supports farmers, and ensures that state-inspected meat and poultry continue to reach American dinner tables efficiently and safely.”

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper applauded the move.

“I’m grateful for Secretary Rollins’ commitment and decisive actions to ensure America’s food supply remains the safest, most abundant, and most affordable in the world. Our Georgia Meat Inspection Section staff work tirelessly to protect Georgia consumers and our state’s food supply, and after steep cuts to state-level inspection services under the Biden Administration, this additional funding will help ensure we can continue to effectively protect Georgia’s food supply,” Harper said.

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