July 29, 2022 3:00 a.m.

On Thursday, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley welcomed approval by the United States Department of Agriculture, of Oregon’s rules and regulations for a state meat inspection program that meets USDA standards.

A release said the approval follows a letter from both Senators to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, as well as months of follow-up and discussion, pressing for a review of the state meat inspection program. The senators noted in their letter that large meat packing facilities have been hurt by the pandemic and left unable to process livestock, putting Oregon farmers and ranchers at risk of losing their businesses, and families unable to have access to affordable food.

Wyden said, “Today’s announcement is great news for Oregon farmers and ranchers as well as for Oregon consumers facing the uncertainty of supply chain disruptions driving up the costs at the grocery store for our state’s world-renowned beef”. Wyden said the approval will open up more processing options for the state’s hard-working agricultural producers, helping them build on the strengths of their local small businesses that generate jobs and economic activity in rural communities throughout Oregon.

Merkley called the announcement, “..Great news for Oregonians”. Merkley said the approval will help Oregon farmers and ranchers process their livestock locally and provide affordable food for all Oregonians.

The release said the agreement between the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service and Oregon lets the state program inspect meat products produced for shipment within the state. Under the cooperative agreement, the state inspection program must develop, administer, and enforce requirements “at least equal to” those imposed under the Federal Meat Inspection Act.

More information about the approval is linked: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/news-events/news-press-releases/usda-and-oregon-sign-cooperative-agreement-state-meat-inspection