Georgia Meat Processors Gain Access to National Markets
Eligible state-inspected meat processors in Georgia now have the opportunity to sell their products across state lines.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has finalized a Cooperative Interstate Shipment, or CIS, agreement with the State of Georgia. The agreement allows participating state-inspected meat processors that meet federal inspection requirements to ship their products nationwide under the USDA mark of inspection.
For Georgia's family-owned processors, that means access to customers beyond the state's borders, creating new marketing opportunities for the farmers and ranchers they serve. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says the agreement also helps provide more options in a processing industry dominated by a small number of large companies.
To participate, establishments must meet the same food safety standards required of federally inspected facilities, and USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service will continue providing oversight.
Georgia becomes the 11th state participating in the Cooperative Interstate Shipment program, authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill.
