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Butcher Block Act of 2023
3/13/2024, 11:45 PM
Summary of Bill S 2951
The Butcher Block Act of 2023 aims to improve the safety and efficiency of meat processing facilities by implementing stricter regulations and oversight measures. This includes requirements for regular inspections, proper sanitation practices, and employee training programs to ensure that meat products are handled and processed in a safe and hygienic manner.
Additionally, the bill seeks to promote transparency in the meat processing industry by requiring facilities to disclose information about their operations, including the sources of their meat products and any additives or preservatives used in the processing. This information will be made available to consumers to help them make informed choices about the meat products they purchase. Overall, the Butcher Block Act of 2023 is designed to enhance the quality and safety of meat products in the United States while also promoting accountability and transparency in the meat processing industry. It is currently under review by Congress and may undergo further revisions before being voted on for approval.
Congressional Summary of S 2951
Butcher Block Act of 2023
This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide loans, loan guarantees, and grants to assist and expand meat processing and rendering.
USDA must establish a loan and loan guarantee program for individuals and entities for the construction, expansion, modification, refurbishment, or re-equipping of meat processing facilities (with less than 500 employees) and rendering facilities (with less than 200 employees).
Those eligible for the program include (1) public, private, or cooperative organizations; (2) Indian tribes; and (3) individual farmers, ranchers, or business owners.
The bill generally prohibits the amount of a loan or loan guarantee from exceeding $50 million. However, USDA may provide a loan or loan guarantee of up to $100 million to public, private, or cooperative organizations for projects that significantly increase meat processing or rendering in a state or region that has insufficient processing or rendering capacity.
USDA must also make grants to establish or support new, innovative, or expanded meat processing or rendering activities, or other activities that will increase the customer base or revenue returns of livestock and poultry producers. Projects may include identifying and analyzing business opportunities, providing technical assistance and training, and incentivizing innovative or mobile enterprises.
Those eligible for the grants are (1) governmental entities; (2) public, private, or cooperative organizations; (3) Indian tribes; and (4) institutions of higher education.
