Eight additional meat and poultry companies have joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s voluntary Product of USA Labeling Initiative, bringing the total number of participating companies to more than 30 nationwide. The announcement came on Friday from Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. The Product of USA label was designed to help consumers identify meat and poultry products that are born, raised, harvested, and processed entirely in the United States.
According to USDA, the label gives shoppers confidence that their purchases directly support American farmers, ranchers, processors, and rural communities. Secretary Rollins says the initiative helps ensure American families know their food is “American through and through”, while creating new marketing opportunities for U.S. livestock producers and processors. USDA says the program complements broader efforts to strengthen domestic processing capacity and expand opportunities for independent ranchers and family farmers.
USDA officials say interest in the label remains strong, with additional companies expected to join in the months ahead as demand for American-raised products continue to grow.
Audio Reporting by Elizabeth Sanders for Southeast AgNet.