9/23 Take Action to Endorse Congressional Bills on Decentralized Meat Processing

On September 15, the Livestock Owned by Communities to Advance Local Foods Act (LOCAL Foods Act) was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in a bipartisan manner by two members of the Agricultural Committee, Eugene Vindman [D-VA-7] and Jim Baird [R-IN-04]. 

Rural Vermont’s national coalition now succeeded with the introduction of this federal legislation in a bicameral way, raising the hopes for the clarification that on-farm slaughter is legal to move and pass. The LOCAL Foods Act was previously introduced in the Senate by Senators Peter Welch [D-VT], Bernie Sanders [I-VT], and Mike Lee [R-UT]. You can support this effort by contacting Representative Becca Balint, share with her office why this legislation matters to you and ask her to co-sponsor H.R. 5341!

Simultaneously, Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and Thomas Massie (R-KY) reintroduced the PRIME Act which would legalize the in-state sales of custom-slaughtered beef, pork, or lamb. Currently, meat processed in custom facilities has to be pre-sold and labeled “not for sale.” The ability to sell this meat in cuts is also something many Rural Vermont members requested for years. We’ve developed an educational resource to show how the PRIME Act and the LOCAL Foods Act go hand-in-hand. Both bills seek to strengthen scale-appropriate meat processing regulations, are similar in theme but different in scope. Supporters of one will likely support the other. If you have connections to livestock producers in Maine - ask them to reach out to Pingree’s office to endorse the LOCAL Foods Act. Likewise, mention the PRIME Act when you reach out to Balint here in Vermont as well.