To supply federal assistance to louisiana to operate a cross utilization 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 the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry a $4.602 million cooperative agreement on October 1, 2025, to operate a cross-utilization inspection program assuring consumers an adequate supply of 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).

The award funds Louisiana's intrastate meat and poultry inspection operations, enabling state-run inspection programs to maintain standards at least equal to federal requirements. This cooperative model allows the state to exercise oversight flexibility while meeting federal food safety standards, serving local meat and poultry processors and consumers within Louisiana.

The obligation amount is $4.602 million, with a period of performance from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. Work is performed in Louisiana. The assistance type is a cooperative agreement, awarded on an annual basis subject to Secretary approval and triennial audit by the Food Safety and Inspection Service to validate that the state maintains "at least equal to" federal inspection standards.

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