Alabama Gains $14.54 Million Boost for Meat and Poultry Inspection Programs
Montgomery, AL – Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, Rick Pate, announced on Tuesday that USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins will allocate $14.54 million from the FY 2025 Non-Recurring Expense Fund to enhance reimbursement rates for state meat and poultry inspection programs. This initiative aims to raise the reimbursement rate back to 50%, aligning with provisions in the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act.
"This funding is essential for the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, allowing us to reduce budget pressures and continue effective operation of our inspection program," said Pate. The increased reimbursement will bolster local slaughter and meat processing facilities, enabling them to deliver their products to market more efficiently.
Pate praised Rollins for the funding, emphasizing its importance for both consumers and producers in Alabama, noting, "This is a significant win for our food supply chain." With around 80 slaughter and meat processing facilities statewide, these establishments process over 14,000 cattle annually and contributed to approximately 77 million pounds of inspected products last year.
Alabama State Veterinarian, Dr. Tony Frazier, echoed the impact of this financial support, stating, "This investment protects public health while enhancing our agricultural economy." The financial relief comes at a crucial time, ensuring that Alabama-raised beef remains readily available to consumers.
For further details about the Alabama Meat and Poultry Inspection Program, visit agi.alabama.gov/animalindustries/meat-inspection/ or contact 334-240-7120. The new funding represents a crucial step toward sustaining the state’s agricultural integrity and meeting consumer demands.
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