Bill > S1509

This bill aims to support small and very small meat and poultry processing establishments by implementing several key provisions. First, it requires the Secretary of Agriculture to create a free, searchable database of peer-reviewed validation studies and publish online model Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans specifically tailored to smaller and very small establishments within 18 months. The bill also increases the federal government's cost-sharing for state meat and poultry inspection programs from 50% to 65%. Additionally, it expands the Cooperative Interstate Shipment program by increasing the employee threshold from 25 to 50 employees and raising the state program participation rate from 60% to 80%. The bill establishes a new Processing Resilience Grant Program that will provide competitive grants up to $500,000 to eligible meat and poultry processing entities to increase their resilience and capacity, with simplified application processes and prioritization for small establishments. Lastly, the bill creates a Processor Career Training Program to provide grants to educational institutions and organizations to develop structured apprenticeship programs focused on training workers for small meat and poultry processing facilities, with $10 million authorized annually from 2025 to 2030.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1509/all-info