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CFRA says local processing bill boosts economic opportunity

The Center for Rural Affairs based in Nebraska helped craft a bill introduced in the U.S. House that would boost local meat processing and economic opportunities in rural areas.

The center’s Johnathan Hladik says everybody wins with a proposal like the bipartisan Strengthening Local Processing Act, “You have the processor who can do much more business. You have the farmer who can get a premium for their animals. You’re going to make more money selling your animal direct to the consumer than you are bringing it to a Tyson or a Cargill.”

He says it’ll be a boost to producers’ return on investment, “You know, for all those cattle guys who have invested so much in genetics – and I know that’s happening on the pork side as well – you’ve got a lot of money in a good quality animal. A lot of money and great quality meat.”

The large processor slowdowns caused by the pandemic shifted consumer demand to more local processors – who Vladik says need help in meeting those demands. He says the bill would expand overall processing capacity in the U.S. while assisting smaller operations through grants.

Interview with Johnathan Hladik ^^

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