NCBA Expresses Concerns With USDA’s Stand-Up Program

USDA’s new Stand-Up Program will provide up to $50 million to help states join or expand federal-state meat inspection programs through the Cooperative Interstate Shipping Program.  Currently, Oregon is one of 31 states participating under the Meat and Poultry Inspection Program, but only 11 of the 31 eligible states participate in the Cooperative Interstate Shipping Program, according to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

NCBA says high regulatory and compliance costs have been barriers to further state participation.  Additionally, the organization said, persistent labor challenges in the processing sector continue to create challenges and uncertainty around efforts to diversify processing options for producers around the country.

While Wednesday’s announcement includes funding, NCBA says structural changes need to happen within the program to help support additional states' participation.

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