June 17, 2026 | Source: ACRES USA | by Anneliese Abbott
On June 3, 2026, the USDA announced its Small Processors Action Plan, which is intended “to better support small and very small meat and poultry processing plants, improve customer service, and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens while maintaining strong food safety protections for consumers.”
The Small Processors Action Plan has three main components. The first, “Strengthen Direct Support for Small Processors,” includes $60 million in grants as part of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program and $20 million “to reduce overtime and holiday inspection fees and provide relief for small and very small plants.” This component will also improve communication between USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service and small processors.
The second component, “Improve Policy Clarity and Predictability,” mostly involves making it easier for small processors to find out about and provide input on new food safety regulations that could impact their businesses. The third, “Improve How USDA Delivers Service,” is mostly about improving communication.
