Oregon lawmakers hear how state inspection grants and new technology aim to expand meat processing capacity

An informational hearing of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire on May 1 focused on Oregon's growing state meat inspection program, recent grant-funded upgrades to small processors, and remaining obstacles including rendering and workforce shortages. Committee leaders said the meeting was for information only and no bills were worked or voted on.

The Department of Agriculture told the committee the state program was created to help small and very small processors meet food-safety standards and allow inspected product to be sold within Oregon. "Our state meat inspection program really consists of an effort to bring the ability to have local beef and other amenable species into commerce," said Rusty Rock, division director for the food safety and animal health programs at the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA). Paul Sherman, ODA meat program specialist, added that the state inspection program makes it possible for facilities to wholesale product within Oregon instead of labeling it "not for sale." "Currently it's about 82" custom-exempt facilities, Sherman said, noting the number fluctuates year…