By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a new initiative aimed at supporting small and very small meat and poultry processors. The Small Processors Action Plan focuses on improving customer service, simplifying regulations, and maintaining strong food safety protections.
“Today’s announcement 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,” said Secretary Rollins.
“We are removing overly burdensome red tape, improving service, and giving small plants the clarity and support these business need to operate safely, grow, and compete. By expanding local processing capabilities, we’re continuing to bolster our domestic producers, which are central to the President’s Make America Healthy Again agenda,” said Rollins.
As part of the announcement, USDA also introduced $60 million in funding through the fourth round of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program. This funding will support projects that expand processing capacity and improve supply chain resilience.
Small processing plants play a key role in rural economies and food supply systems. The USDA emphasized that these businesses are essential for maintaining a strong and localized food network across the country.
The action plan includes several improvements. These include making processes easier for submitting requests, offering dedicated assistance to businesses, and expanding support for facilities with limited access to digital tools.
USDA will also simplify requirements by updating guidance documents and improving access to important contacts and resources. New tools will help processors interact more easily with agency systems.
“President Trump ended the war on protein. Real American beef is back on the menu,” said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “USDA’s Small Processors Action Plan will strengthen our food supply, expand access to high-quality protein, and support American farmers and ranchers. That’s how we Make America Healthy Again.”
To reduce operational burden, the agency plans to streamline inspection-related procedures and improve consistency through training programs. Collaboration with the Small Business Administration will also help ensure that processors are aware of available support options.
The expansion of program funding will be distributed across two categories for small and intermediate processors. Eligible applicants include businesses, cooperatives, nonprofit groups, and tribal entities with facilities located in the United States.
USDA confirmed that the new measures will be rolled out immediately, with continued input from industry stakeholders to ensure the plan meets practical needs.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National