USDA Stand-Up Program Expands Meat Inspection Access

By Scout Nelson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched the Stand-Up Program, a new initiative that will provide up to $50 million to help states expand participation in federal-state meat inspection partnerships. Announced by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Annual Meeting, the program aims to strengthen meat processing capacity and create new market opportunities for producers.

A key focus of the initiative is increasing participation in the Cooperative Interstate Shipping (CIS) Program, which allows state-inspected meat and poultry facilities to ship products across state lines. This can help small and medium-sized processors access new markets while meeting federal inspection requirements.

States must first operate under the State Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) Program before joining the CIS Program. While 30 states currently participate in MPI, only 11 are part of the CIS Program. Kansas participates in MPI but has not yet joined the interstate shipping program.

Industry leaders say regulatory and compliance costs remain major obstacles to broader participation. Meeting federal requirements often requires significant investments in facilities, training and administrative resources, making expansion challenging for many states and processors.

Labor shortages have also created difficulties across the meat processing sector. These workforce challenges continue to limit efforts to expand processing capacity and provide producers with additional marketing options.

The Stand-Up Program is expected to help address some of these financial barriers and encourage greater participation in interstate meat shipping. Supporters believe stronger state inspection programs could improve regional food supply chains, increase processing options for producers and enhance competition within the meat industry.

However, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) noted that funding alone may not be enough. The organization emphasized that USDA must also address ongoing regulatory and operational challenges if more states are expected to participate in the CIS Program and expand their meat inspection capabilities.

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