To supply federal assistance to minnesota 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…

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service awarded a Cooperative Agreement totaling $4,613,800 to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture on October 1, 2025, under the Cooperative Agreements with States for Intrastate Meat and Poultry Inspection program (CFDA 10.475).

The award funds Minnesota's operation of a state meat and poultry inspection program to assure consumers an adequate supply of safe, wholesome, and properly labeled meat and poultry products. The program enables local and mid-sized processors to operate under state inspection that meets federal standards without requiring federal inspection oversight, while allowing the state to maintain control and flexibility over its regulatory framework.

The award covers the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and performance occurs in Minnesota. States maintaining "at least equal to" federal inspection standards are invited to renew annually pending Secretary approval. The Food Safety and Inspection Service will conduct an audit every three years to validate the "at least equal to" determinations. Minnesota must maintain complete accounting records available to the Comptroller General and authorized representatives of the Secretary of Agriculture.

To supply federal assistance to minnesota 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.