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Task force provides recommendations to address Iowa meat locker challenges

A task force lead by Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig has delivered several recommendations to help address workforce challenges in meat lockers.

The Artisanal Butchery Task Force, created during the 2021 Legislative Session, recommends Iowa’s community college system begin a one-year artisanal butchery certificate program that would combine classroom education with work-based learning opportunities.

Naig says lockers and meat processors are facing significant workforce shortages at a time of growing demand for their high-quality products and services.

The task force also recommends establishing training and resource tool kits for meat processing businesses and exploring ways to reduce regulatory hurdles.