The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that New Mexico is officially joining the State Meat and Poultry Inspection Program, a move designed to expand processing opportunities and strengthen food safety oversight within the state. The agreement between USDA and the New Mexico State Livestock Board makes New Mexico the 31st state to operate an approved State Meat and Poultry Inspection Program. The program is intended to increase local inspection capacity while helping small and very small meat and poultry processors gain greater access to markets.
According to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, expanding state inspection partnerships helps maintain strong food safety protections while creating new opportunities for livestock producers and processors. Rollins says the effort supports local businesses, strengthens the food supply chain, and ensures consumers continue to receive safe and properly labeled food products. Under the program, USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, or FSIS, will work closely with state officials to ensure compliance with federal food safety standards and provide ongoing technical assistance.
Congress has continued to invest in state inspection programs, providing $67.6 million in fiscal year 2025 and an additional $15 million in fiscal year 2026 to strengthen inspection capacity and support participating states. USDA says the effort is part of a broader strategy to support rural economies, improve livestock sector resilience, and expand opportunities for independent meat and poultry processors across the country.
Audio Reporting by Elizabeth Sanders for Southeast AgNet.