Georgia meat processors are gaining access to new markets thanks to an agreement announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and the state of Georgia have finalized a Cooperative Interstate Shipment, or CIS, agreement. The program allows qualifying state-inspected meat processors to ship products across state lines under the USDA mark of inspection.
Secretary Rollins says the move will help level the playing field for family-owned processors and livestock producers. She noted that much of the nation’s meat processing capacity remains concentrated among a handful of large companies, limiting opportunities for smaller operations. Rollins says expanding interstate shipping options will give Georgia producers access to the same domestic marketplace enjoyed by federally inspected facilities.
USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Mindy Brashears says the agreement creates new market opportunities while maintaining rigorous food safety standards. She adds that Georgia’s participation is expected to strengthen local and regional economies. The Cooperative Interstate Shipment program was authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill and launched in 2012.
To participate, states must demonstrate that their inspection programs meet standards equivalent to federal inspection requirements. USDA’s Federal Safety and Inspection Service provides oversight and reimburses states for a portion of inspection costs. With Georgia joining the program, 11 states now participate, including Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
For producers and processors across Georgia, the agreement opens the door to new customers and expands business opportunities nationwide.
Audio Reporting by Elizabeth Sanders for Southeast AgNet.