Invest in Regional Food & Farm Infrastructure

Meat processing is ultimately regulated at the federal level, but there is a great deal that states can do. In 27 states,^[1] the state departments of agriculture have the authority to inspect meat processing facilities, rather than requiring inspection by USDA, as in the remaining states. Meat processed at state-inspected facilities may be sold within the state. States with these programs can ensure that they are robust and well-funded; they may also apply for the Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) program, which allows meat from state-inspected plants to be sold in other states.^[2] Labor can be a major sticking point for developing processing capacity. Some community colleges, high schools, and other institutions are investing in vocational programs to train workers in the skills that a small meat processing plant requires.

To support the interest and economic potential of local food economies, many states updated their cottage food laws in recent years to allow home cooks and bakers to sell homemade products. Another route is public investment in community commercial kitchens that are available for local food producers to make their food products. These are often developed by a nonprofit, with collaboration from local and regional governments and businesses. USDA grants can be a key to getting the facilities built.^[3] State funding can play a role too.

Food hubs can be another key element of developing and strengthening local food systems. As with commercial kitchens, development of a food hub is not generally driven by a state initiative, but it can be supported and funded by state action. For example, a Georgia state senator was able to direct state funds to a new food hub in a predominantly Black rural Georgia county by working closely with local community members.^[4] There is also an opportunity for states to earmark federal dollars, such as from the COVID-19 relief or infrastructure packages, for local food infrastructure.