DOSWELL—As consumer demand for protein and the price of beef have reached historic highs, rural families will have greater access to these locally grown farm products thanks to an expansion plan for the nation’s small meat processors.
The capacity exists to process the 14,000-head of beef cattle finished in Virginia annually, but travel distances, labor shortages and processing backlogs are persistent obstacles for cattle producers, and the consumers clamoring for locally sourced foods.
Following a June 3 roundtable with 20 Virginia agriculturalists at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy announced the launch of the new U.S. Department of Agriculture Small Processors Action Plan.
Rollins described the plan as an important step toward expanding competition, improving local access and keeping more livestock production close to home.
“Why are we shipping these beautiful beef cattle from Virginia all the way to the middle of the country to get processed?” she asked.
Virginia Farm Bureau Federation state board member Barry Bates of Essex County said the lack of nearby meat processing facilities has created major scheduling headaches for farmers, with processing dates booked far in advance.
With improved capacity, he said, “It would be a lot better logistically for the operators.”
The package of regulatory, service and funding changes is aimed at helping small meat and poultry plants expand capacity and better serve farmers. USDA said the plan will be paired with a fourth round of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program, which includes $60 million in additional funding for eligible processors.
“We are building a food system that works not just for the biggest players, but also for the family farms and the small businesses across America,” Rollins said.
Trey Davis, president and CEO of the Virginia Agribusiness Council, said he was encouraged to see USDA signal support for processors, saying the agency is trying to show “there’s room for processors of every size.”
Rollins noted the effort is designed to strengthen local food systems without weakening safety standards.
“This is about helping our small plants operate safely, compete fairly, and remain part of a strong local and regional food supply,” she said.
Kennedy tied the move to the administration’s broader food agenda that emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense foods.
Farm leaders and advocates at the roundtable like VFBF President Scott Sink said the announcement addresses a longstanding bottleneck, even if results will take time.
The Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability can help farmers navigate the action plan, which is another important “tool in the toolbox,” said Whitney Perkins, director of the nonprofit that offers technical assistance for value-added agriculture.
“We will be sure those tools are really working the way that they want them to, and that they’re adequately funded on top of that, because the demand is there,” she said. “We can help producers get connected and navigate the process.”
Visit vafairs.com to learn more.
Media: Contact Samuel Thomas Holcomb, USDA public affairs, at 771-233-3452; or Perkins at 804-290-1158.
