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Livestock Board says state meat inspection is near; requests pay increases to retain inspectors
Summary
The Livestock Board told the committee its state meat inspection program is close to FSIS approval, asked for $2 million in pay adjustments to retain frontline inspectors and described contingency planning for animal disease outbreaks; the committee adopted the LFC recommendation by voice vote.
The House Appropriations & Finance Committee heard the New Mexico Livestock Board outline progress toward a state meat and poultry inspection program and a broader request to shore up front‑line staffing.
Belinda Garland, the agency’s executive director, said the board expects to enter a federal cooperative agreement with the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service after two remaining components are finalized: laboratory approval and financial accountability. “This program is really, really months away from entering into that cooperative agreement,” Garland said, while estimating the full implementation timeline at roughly two to three years from statute passage.
Garland urged the committee to consider a $2 million request for pay increases aimed at correcting compression and improving retention among inspectors and certified law enforcement staff who perform brand inspections and field enforcement. “I know that $2,000,000 seems like a big request, and it is a big ask. But I think it’s imperative that we retain these people,” she said, adding that inspector work requires specialized skills and certification.
The director described recent agency responses to animal‑health threats — including an EVN outbreak and other surveillance efforts — and noted preparations for the emerging screw‑worm threat. Committee members discussed transfer authority for fund balance between programs, the limits on hiring before federal approvals are complete, and recruitment and retention incentives. Representative Garrett moved adoption of the LFC recommendation; the committee approved the motion by voice vote with no opposition recorded.
The board asked staff to revisit transfer authority and to work with the executive on pay and recruitment tools. No final statute or contract award was completed during the hearing.
