Wyden, Merkley Urge Usda for Expedited Review of Oregon's State Meat Inspection Program

Statement

U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today urged the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to quickly review Oregon's rules and regulations for a state meat inspection program that meets USDA standards, and, if approved, to expedite the needed training for Oregon staff to carry out the required work.

In their letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Wyden and Merkley noted that large meat packing facilities have been hurt by the pandemic and unable to process livestock, putting farmers and ranchers at risk of losing their businesses, and families unable to have access to affordable food.

"The Oregon meat inspection plan would reduce risks of future supply chain disruptions and allow flexibility and consistency in food processing networks," Wyden and Merkley wrote. "This program has strong support from agricultural producers across the state who have limited options for processing facilities resulting in small businesses signing contracts months in advance to keep their place in line."

"Issues are compounded by large meat processors that lack transparency in pricing and contracts," they wrote. "The USDA's approval of Oregon's rules and regulations would help stabilize food supply and security for our state, flatten the economic roller coaster for small agricultural businesses and establish new markets for Oregon meat.

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