The US Department of Agriculture has announced that they will be providing a funding increase for reimbursements to states for meat and poultry inspection programs. The $14.5 Million in reimbursements will allow states to continue their own inspection programs ensuring food safety and reducing pressure on state budgets to support local slaughter and meat processing facilities. In a press release, USDA identified the need for future funding levels to be addressed by policy makers to allow meat and poultry inspection programs to continue. US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said, “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, 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.”
Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper said, “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.
Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate said, “I commend Secretary Rollins for providing much-needed funds to support state meat and poultry inspection programs. This is a significant win for Alabama consumers and producers. The additional $14.54 million is critical to strengthening our food supply chain and supporting the hardworking producers and processors who keep it thriving.”