USDA Small Processor Plan Highlights Recent Work, Future Opportunities
Washington, DC, June 5, 2026 – Today, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) commends the release of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Small Processors Action Plan by Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. The plan highlights previous and potential future actions by USDA to protect and promote Small and Very Small meat processors.
In the Action Plan, USDA highlights its work on the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Overtime and Holiday Fee Reduction Program for Small and Very Small Establishments. The Plan also highlights a small expansion of the state Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) program, an NSAC priority. Continued expansion of the program, and the associated Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) should also be invested in as they increase markets for small and very small processors in a fiscally sound way.
“The success of Small and Very Small processors is critical to the success of our rural communities and agricultural system. NSAC appreciates USDA’s cross agency attention to Small and Very Small plant issues, and encourages the Department to invest in further stakeholder engagement and input. By expanding and refocusing Small Plant Roundtables exclusively on Small & Very Small plants, and implementing recommendations to improve outreach and reduce barriers for these plants, USDA can take critical next steps for improving Small Processors viability. We look forward to engaging with them as they do so,” commented Connor Kippe, NSAC Policy Specialist.
Some of the next steps FSIS should pursue from the 2020 Report on Outreach to Small and Very Small Processors include studying inspection decisions and enforcement actions across circuits, districts, and inspectors. Similarly, the National Advisory Committee in 2023 and 2024 offered in the Meat & Poultry Inspection Recommendations support continued investment in technical assistance not included in the Action Plan.
NSAC looks forward to ensuring these reforms become mandatory and continued in perpetuity by the inclusion of all components of the Strengthening Local Processing Act in a new farm bill.
-National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
