Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Advocates Legislation to Enhance Poultry Processing

By Andi Anderson

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, is championing a legislative initiative aimed at benefiting small-scale poultry processing in the state. The proposal seeks to create a more supportive environment for smaller poultry producers by allowing state poultry processing establishments to engage in both official inspected and custom-exempt processing within the same facility. 

According to a press release from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Secretary Naig emphasizes the need to address a specific rule concerning poultry processing. The proposed bill aims to permit meat lockers to conduct both official and custom processing, giving them the flexibility to cater to retail needs as well as custom requests where the processed products go back to the consumers' homes. 

Naig highlights the importance of this regulatory adjustment, stating, "Allowing a meat locker to both do official and custom processing, meaning that they can do…official meaning that it can go to retail or custom, which means, you bring it in, it’s processed, and it goes back home with you." 

In addition to the proposed regulatory changes, Secretary Naig advocates for the state of Iowa to provide grants for meat lockers, recognizing the potential for growth and development in these areas. 

This legislative push aligns with the broader goal of fostering a more supportive and conducive environment for small-scale poultry producers in Iowa. As the proposal unfolds, it holds the promise of creating new opportunities and efficiencies in the state's poultry processing industry. 

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