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(NAFB) – The United States Cattlemen’s Association this week announced its support of The Strengthening Local Processing Act.

Introduced last month, the legislation will increase local livestock and poultry producers’ options and assist smaller facilities as they adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic and expand to meet consumer demand. The legislation was introduced by Representative Chellie Pingree, a Maine Democrat, and Jeff Fortenberry, a Nebraska Republican, in the U.S. House.

USCA Vice President Justin Tupper of South Dakota says, “Local and regional meat processors are critical in securing our nation’s food supply, and by offering this technical and financial assistance, we can better help set them up for success.” USCA says four multinational meatpacking companies control over 80 percent of the meatpacking business in the U.S., adding, “expanding the reach of independent processors brings more competition to the marketplace.”

The legislation will increase the federal share of state inspection costs from 50 to 65 percent and for Cooperative Interstate Shipment facilities from 60 to 80 percent, encouraging more states to operate state inspection programs.