The agreement is part of USDA’s broader effort supporting local and regional food systems.

A recent executive order signed Sept. 12 by President Joe Biden aims to bolster the U.S. biotechnology sector, including alternative proteins.

Although it is taking no position on the new regulation, the National Pork Producers Council recently submitted comments on USDA’s proposed “Transparency in Poultry Grower Contracting and Tournaments” rule, which is related to enforcement and interpretation of the Packers and Stockyards Act (PSA). The PSA also deals with livestock transactions.

Starting Aug. 29, 2022, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will transition its poultry market reports to the My Market News platform and implement a new report format.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will host an educational event on herd management techniques that help increase the quality, yield and market value of cattle as part of its ongoing outreach conducted by the USDA Cattle and Carcass Training Centers. 

Join SMA at the beaches of Galveston, Texas, for the association's 66th Annual Convention & Suppliers’ Showcase. 

Within the 62 enforcement actions, most were related to cattle (48.4%; 30 of 62), followed by swine (40.3%; 25 of 62), sheep (6.5%; four of 62), and goats (4.8%; three of 62).              

U.S. Reps. Lance Gooden, R-Texas, and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., recently introduced legislation to require the U.S. Trade Representative to reinstate mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL) for imported beef.

Meat processors and food safety inspectors both want the same thing: safe food. However, the relationship between the two entities can be touch-and-go at times. At the best circumstances, state or local governments and small meat plants can work together to develop successful operations that produce quality meat items. 

With the Presidential election behind us, the new Biden Administration continues to fill key food safety and policy positions within USDA and FDA. To date, however, we have not yet witnessed the rollout of any significant new food safety or regulatory policy announcements.