:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/cattlegrazinginfield-c81ef39296b84b7f8a73295aca7c131e.jpg "USDA Announces Aid for Livestock Producers Impacted by Wildfire, Drought")
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced Tuesday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide an additional $14.5 million in reimbursements to state-run meat and poultry inspection programs. The funding, authorized under the USDA’s existing authority, is intended to prevent disruptions in inspection services that ensure meat and poultry products remain safe and accessible to American consumers.
“President Trump is committed to ensuring Americans have access to a safe, affordable food supply. Today I exercised my authority to robustly fund state meat and poultry inspection programs to ensure states can continue to partner with USDA to deliver effective and efficient food safety inspection,” Rollins said. “While the Biden Administration let this funding decline in recent years, the Trump Administration recognizes the importance of our federal-state partnerships and will ensure services that our meat and poultry processors and producers rely on will continue to operate on a normal basis. The President’s commitment is reflected in his 2026 budget proposal, which calls on Congress to address this funding shortfall moving forward.”
The funding increase will help maintain vital inspection services in state programs that often support small and mid-sized processors. Without this support, some states may struggle to uphold their inspection standards, potentially affecting the availability of locally processed meat products.
Ted McKinney, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, voiced strong support for the move. “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… This investment helps safeguard consumers, supports farmers, and ensures that state-inspected meat and poultry continue to reach American dinner tables efficiently and safely,” he said.
State leaders from across the country echoed this sentiment. Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur noted the importance of the USDA-state partnership for food safety and economic growth in rural areas. South Dakota Secretary Hunter Roberts added, “South Dakota appreciates USDA’s continued commitment to working as a co-regulator to support food safety.”
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig praised the announcement as a win for rural economies and local protein access, while Louisiana Commissioner Mike Strain called it “much welcome news.”
Leaders from Ohio, Georgia, Alabama, Missouri, West Virginia, Arkansas, and Texas also commended Rollins and Trump for addressing longstanding funding concerns. Many noted that state inspection programs serve as a critical link between local producers and consumers and help strengthen food security by supporting decentralized processing capacity.
Texas Commissioner Sid Miller described the action as a “game-changer” for meat processors and livestock producers. “That’s what real support for American agriculture looks like,” he said.
While the increase addresses urgent needs in the current fiscal year, Rollins acknowledged the need for longer-term solutions. “This is not a sustainable path forward. Policymakers across the federal government should come together to think through ways to continue these critical state meat and poultry inspection programs,” she said.
