S. 1509: Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2025, aims to enhance support for small and very small meat and poultry processing establishments in the United States. Here are the key provisions it includes:

1. Guidance and Resources for Smaller Establishments

The bill amends existing laws to require the creation of resources and guidance specifically designed for smaller and very small meat and poultry establishments, defined according to federal HACCP regulations. Key features include:

• Establishing a free, searchable database of approved studies to help these establishments develop Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans.
• Publishing online model HACCP plans tailored to various types of smaller operations.
• Providing detailed guidance on the approval process for HACCP plans, ensuring data confidentiality.

2. Increased Federal Support for State Inspection Expenses

The bill raises the federal government's maximum share of costs covered for state inspection programs from 50% to 65% for both poultry and meat products.

3. Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program Enhancements

The bill modifies the requirements for states participating in the Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program, allowing states with more than 50 employees in their poultry and meat inspection programs to participate. This expands opportunities for smaller processors to ship their products across state lines.

4. Processing Resilience Grant Program

This section establishes a grant program aimed at increasing the resilience of smaller meat and poultry processors. Important points include:

• Grants of up to $500,000 are available for projects that enhance processing capacity, employee safety, and overall resilience.
• Applications for grants will be simplified, with special provisions for smaller grant amounts.
• The bill authorizes $20 million for each fiscal year from 2025 to 2030 to fund these grants.

5. Processor Career Training Programs

The bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish competitive grants for educational institutions and training centers to create programs that train individuals for careers in meat and poultry processing. It specifies a focus on structured apprenticeships and related training initiatives, with authorization for $10 million each fiscal year from 2025 to 2030 for this purpose.

6. Implementation Timeline

Following the enactment, the Secretary of Agriculture must establish the required databases, resources, and grant programs within specified time frames, ensuring these provisions become operational to support smaller establishments promptly.

Implications for Confidentiality

The bill emphasizes the protection of confidential business information throughout the implementation of its provisions, ensuring that the sensitive data of smaller establishments remains secure.

Relevant Companies

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