Support state cooperators and their producers in marketing meat products to the public by using USDA grade standards, regulations, specifications, and procedures

The Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service awarded a Cooperative Agreement (Inspection Grading and Standardization, CFDA 10.162) to the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture for $244,467, obligated on October 1, 2025. The agreement runs through September 30, 2026, with performance in Puerto Rico.

Under this award, the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture will provide voluntary meat grading and auditing services through state-licensed employees, applying USDA grade standards, regulations, specifications, and procedures to help state cooperators and meat producers market quality products to consumers. The department will submit requested financial records to USDA AMS annually. The federal agency will bill meat plants for services rendered and reimburse the recipient for costs incurred. No sub-recipients are anticipated under this agreement.

Meat voluntary grading and auditing services will be performed by state licensed employees. Through state cooperators, USDA, AMS, l & p, QAD will provide a broader consumer base with quality meat products. For voluntary services (grading and auditing) the federal agency will bill the plant for services provided and reimburse the state. The recipient will provide requested financial records to USDA, AMS, l & p annually. Consumers, as well as those involved in the marketing of agricultural products, benefit from the greater efficiency permitted by the availability and application of grade standards. No subrecipients anticipated.