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First two facilities licensed under Arkansas Meat Inspection Program

The first two small processing facilities have been licensed under the Arkansas Meat Inspection Program. JACO Meats in Hope and the Arkansas State University Meat Market in Jonesboro received funding through the Arkansas Meat and Poultry Processing Grant Program in 2020.

The program allows the Department to inspect meat products for shipments within Arkansas. It was authorized during the 2021 regular session of the state General Assembly and was finalized through a cooperative agreement with the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. 

Arkansas Secretary of Ag Wes Ward says he’s optimistic the program will continue to expand and increase the availability of locally-sourced meat and meat products within the state.

Arkansas is one of 29 states participating in State Meat and Poultry Inspection programs, allowing state inspectors to ensure program enforcement and regulatory compliance in small establishments operating within the state.