To supply federal assistance to alabama to operate a meat and poultry inspection program in order to assure the consumer an adequate supply of safe, wholesome, and properly labeled meat and poultry…

The Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service awarded a Cooperative Agreement to the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries for $2,106,020 on October 1, 2025, to operate Alabama's meat and poultry inspection program and ensure consumers access to safe, wholesome, and properly labeled meat and poultry products.

Under the Cooperative Agreements with States for Intrastate Meat and Poultry Inspection program (CFDA 10.475), Alabama administers state-level inspection activities that maintain federal standards while allowing small and mid-sized intrastate processors to operate under state oversight rather than federal inspection. The award funds the full scope of the state meat and poultry inspection program operating across Alabama, with a period of performance from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

The cooperative agreement model enables Alabama to maintain regulatory control and operational flexibility while meeting federal "at least equal to" inspection standards. States renew annually pending Secretary approval; FSIS performs audits every three years to validate the "at least equal to" determinations. Cooperators must maintain complete accounting records available to the Comptroller General and authorized USDA representatives.

To supply federal assistance to alabama to operate a meat and poultry inspection program in order to assure the consumer an adequate supply of safe, wholesome, and properly labeled meat and poultry products.