Sign on to build support for the Strengthening Local Processing Act (SLPA)! Resilient local and regional food systems depend on the infrastructure that helps get fresh food to families - including sustainably raised livestock. Livestock producers are experiencing significant difficulties finding processing options for their animals in many communtiies nationwide -- and the 2023 Farm Bill can help address this issue by including SLPA's provisions.

SLPA offers a comprehensive plan to increase slaughter options for local livestock and poultry producers, assist smaller processing plants as they adapt to increased demand, and help create a more fair, resilient, and sustainable poultry and livestock market.

This bill will:  

• Increase the federal share of costs for state inspection from 50 to 65 percent and for Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) facilities from 60 to 80 percent

• Authorize $20 million in competitive grants to small and very small establishments, state inspected facilities, custom exempt facilities, or new small-scale slaughter facilities for activities related to COVID-19 recovery, infrastructure expansion, and related equipment

• Authorize a program for colleges and universities to establish or expand meat processing training programs and a new $10 million grant program for small and very small establishments or nongovernmental organizations to offset the cost of training new meat processors.

Please join NSAC and other individuals, farmers and ranchers, plant owners/operators, and organizations in endorsing this bill!