Toward providing more poultry processing options for farmers, as well as additional opportunities for consumers to buy more locally raised turkey and chicken, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) on Aug. 2 sponsored a bill to modernize federal law and increase small-scale processing.
“On my 36 County Tour and annual agriculture tour, I’ve met with poultry producers who are frustrated by the lack of convenient processing options in our communities and small businesses that are ready to grow their operations,” Rep. Feenstra said. “Due to outdated laws, Iowa farmers oftentimes travel long distances to have their broilers and turkeys slaughtered and processed. This must change.”
The congressman introduced the Increasing Small-Scale Poultry Processing Opportunities Act, H.R. 9251, which would amend the Poultry Products Inspection Act to allow poultry processing facilities to perform regular slaughter and custom-exempt at the same facility, according to the text of the bill.
“By encouraging local processing and slaughter of poultry, we can deliver fresher products more quickly to consumers, eliminate unnecessary headaches and additional expenses for our producers, and strengthen our agricultural economy in Iowa,” said Rep. Feenstra. “Food security is national security, and this bill invests in our rural communities and the food supply chain for the betterment of our farmers, businesses, and families.”
Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig and the Iowa Turkey Federation support the proposed bill, which is under consideration in the U.S. House Agriculture Committee.