Sioux City Times

HULL, IOWA – U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) introduced the Increasing Small-Scale Poultry Processing Opportunities Act today. The proposed legislation aims to amend the Poultry Products Inspection Act, enabling poultry processing facilities to conduct both regular slaughter and custom-exempt processing at the same location.

“On my 36 County Tour and annual agriculture tour, I’ve met with poultry producers who are frustrated by the lack of convenient processing options in our communities and small businesses that are ready to grow their operations. Due to outdated laws, Iowa farmers oftentimes travel long distances to have their broilers and turkeys slaughtered and processed – this must change. I’ve also had conversations with Secretary Naig about the need to expand opportunities for small-scale poultry processing and applaud his work at the state level to get this done,” said Rep. Feenstra. “To help expand options, increase demand, and secure flexibility for our poultry producers, I introduced legislation to modernize federal law and increase small-scale poultry processing in Iowa. By encouraging local processing and slaughter of poultry, we can deliver fresher products more quickly to consumers, eliminate unnecessary headaches and additional expenses for our producers, and strengthen our agricultural economy in Iowa. Food security is national security, and this bill invests in our rural communities and the food supply chain for the betterment of our farmers, businesses, and families.”

“Iowa poultry producers, especially those who sell directly to consumers, have long struggled to find poultry processing options within Iowa and have instead had to travel to neighboring states for this service. The legislative proposal I put forth to increase small-scale processing in Iowa was signed into law by Gov. Reynolds after unanimous support from the Legislature, so now we are just awaiting federal action and approval,” said Secretary Naig. “I want to thank Congressman Feenstra and our Iowa delegation for advocating for this fix through many different avenues, including by introducing this federal legislation. Iowa consumers and poultry producers will benefit from more processing and retail options within Iowa once a federal solution is enacted.”

“This bill will provide additional processing options for farmers and opportunities for consumers to buy more locally raised turkey and chicken,” said Brad Moline, a turkey farmer from Manson, Iowa, and President of the Iowa Turkey Federation. “This is the first step in the right direction for increasing alternatives for poultry processing. It has been a goal of mine and the ITF to expand turkey processing options and ultimately help grow the turkey industry, increase turkey consumption, and promote turkey as a flavorful high-quality protein. Thank you to Congressman Feenstra for listening to the needs of poultry farmers and for his leadership in investing in rural Iowa and supporting a positive future for the turkey industry.”

“For years family farmers have been able to sell their cattle, pork, and lamb directly to consumers through custom exempt processing. It is time for consumers to be given that same option for purchasing turkey and chicken by updating the Poultry Products Inspection Act,” said Gretta Irwin, Executive Director & Home Economist at the Iowa Turkey Federation. “This bill will provide farmers with the same processing options for poultry as red meat. Rural America, farmers, and consumers will benefit from this bill. It will support local lockers by expanding their poultry processing services. Family farmers will benefit by having access to new markets for selling their poultry. Consumers will now have another option to buy locally raised turkey and chicken directly from farmers in their state.”

Full legislative text can be found HERE.

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