Wisconsin Ag Connection - Kohl, Nilsestuen Campaigning for Interstate Meat Bill

Wisconsin Ag News Headlines

Kohl, Nilsestuen Campaigning for Interstate Meat Bill
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 10/26/2006

Agriculture Secretary Rod Nilsestuen and Senator Herb Kohl on Wednesday were highlighting federal legislation recently introduced by Kohl and others that would make it possible for Wisconsin meat processors to sell their products across state lines. Although Wisconsin's 299 meat processors meet or exceed federal standards, federal law currently prohibits them from selling their products out of state.

According to Kohl, only meat processed in USDA inspected plants can move across state borders. Wisconsin is one of 28 states with its own meat inspection program; and is the largest with 15 percent of all the nation's state-inspected meat plants.

"This legislation is important to the long-term success and growth of Wisconsin's state-inspected meat and poultry processors and the rural communities that they serve," said Nilsestuen. "In spite of our excellent track record, current federal law will not allow a state-inspected meat business to sell their meat and poultry products out of state."

According to a survey by the Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors, interstate meat shipment would help grow the meat processing sector, create jobs, and boost rural economies.

Wisconsin co-sponsors of the measure include Reps. Tammy Baldwin, Mark Green, Dave Obey and Jim Sensenbrenner, as well as Senator Russ Feingold.