USDA announces meat inspection funding and mandarin purchases

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced several initiatives to support the domestic agricultural sector. Through the Food Safety and Inspection Service, the USDA is launching the ‘Stand-Up Program,’ a $50 million initiative designed to help states establish or expand their own meat inspection programs. This program aims to reduce high startup costs for states, thereby increasing local processing options for small and mid-size livestock producers and strengthening the supply chain.

In a separate move, the USDA has announced plans to purchase $25 million in fresh mandarins from American farmers. This purchase is part of a larger $156 million commitment to acquire various agricultural commodities, including canned peaches, pork products, and walnuts, to be distributed to schools and food banks via the National School Lunch Program and the Emergency Food Assistance Program. California growers are expected to benefit significantly from the citrus purchases, which help manage surplus inventory and support market conditions.