Baldwin Introduces Bill to Support and Grow Wisconsin’s Livestock Farming and Meat Processing Industry

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced the Meat Business Innovation Act (MBIA) of 2024 to support farmers, ranchers and small- and medium-sized processors through technical assistance and grants to the meat industry. The legislation is modeled on Baldwin’s successful Dairy Business Innovation Act, which has distributed over $150 million to regional centers across the country since established in 2019.

“In Wisconsin, we make things – everything from beer, to brats and cheese. We know Wisconsin’s meat industry has long been a key driver of our economy, supporting jobs and livelihoods across the state,” said Senator Baldwin. “We’ve seen how my Dairy Business Innovation Initiative has helped our dairy farmers and processors add value to their businesses, and now I’m proud to lead the charge to help our livestock farmers and meat processors, too – creating new products, improving operations, and supporting our Wisconsin meat industry for years to come.”

Wisconsin’s livestock and meat industries have played a key role in the state’s economy, directly employing more than 43,000 people and, with warehousing and distribution included, they contribute $34 billion to Wisconsin’s economy. Similar to the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative, the MBIA would create regional research and innovation centers across the country. These centers, in partnership with livestock farmers and small- and medium-sized processors, would foster the development of new meat products and uses for byproducts, spur innovation in meat processing, invest in workforce development and the humane handling of livestock, and modernize existing on-farm infrastructure and processing plants.

The MBIA would create three regionally located meat product and business innovation initiatives, and each regional initiative is tasked with providing technical assistance and grants to farmers and processors, including:

• Supporting new and expanding meat processors – Centers would provide assistance with business plan development, accounting, market evaluation, and strategic planning.
• Promoting innovation in meat products and byproducts – Centers would work in tandem with producers to conduct research into meat product and byproduct innovations.
• Investing in workforce development – Centers would offer workforce development and training opportunities, including humane handling, food safety training and consultation, and meat processing training.
• Assisting with farm infrastructure and plant modernization – Farmers, ranchers, and meat businesses receive assistance with operation and facility improvement, including assistance with plant upgrades, food safety modernization, energy and water efficiency, byproduct reprocessing and use maximization, and waste treatment.

The Meat Business Innovation Act would authorize $30 million in annual appropriations and $30 million in annual Commodity Credit Corporation Funding. The bill also requires a report to Congress on the implementation of the program within a year of enactment on the status of innovation, growth, and product development.

Senator Baldwin’s legislation is supported by American Foods Group, Johnsonville Sausage, National Cattleman’s Beef Association, National Pork Producers Association, North American Meat Institute, Organic Valley, The Meat Block, Inc., University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin-River Falls College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, Usinger’s, Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors, Wisconsin Cattleman’s Beef Association, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, and Wisconsin Farmers Union.

“We applaud Senator Baldwin for strongly supporting our industry and introducing the Meat Business Innovation Act of 2024,” said Kevin Ladwig, Managing Director, Johnsonville Ventures. “This legislation will support all stakeholders from farmers to processors as we research ways to add more value to the supply chain and ultimately the user of our product, the consumer.”

“Sen. Baldwin’s Meat Business Innovation Act will help cattle producers expand their marketing opportunities, reduce supply chain barriers, and ensure that their high-quality beef reaches consumers’ plates,” said NCBA President Mark Eisele. “The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association welcomes this legislation, and we are thankful to Sen. Baldwin for investing in additional processing opportunities.”

“The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at UW-Madison has partnered with the Wisconsin meat industry on innovations from new products to increased food safety for more than a century,” said Dean Glenda Gillaspy, UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Dean and Director. “As home to one of the four Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives, we have seen how this type of federal program can transform public-private partnerships to expand Wisconsin’s food and agricultural economy. We are excited about this legislation and appreciate Senator Baldwin’s leadership and work to grow the food industry in Wisconsin.”

"The Meat Institute supports Senator Baldwin’s Meat Business Innovation Act of 2024, which would establish regional meat product and business innovation initiatives to invest in worker development, support and develop regional meat processing businesses, and promote product innovation," said Julie Anna Potts, President & CEO, Meat Institute. "The bill will particularly help small and medium sized meat processors to modernize facilities and develop new value-added products to provide consumers with the products they desire." 

“We are very enthusiastic about the comprehensive vision of Sen. Baldwin’s Meat Business Innovation Act and are poised to play a role in enhancing the food industry both in Wisconsin and throughout the country,” said Michael Orth, UW-River Falls College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Dean.

"Located across our country are numerous small family-owned and operated meat processing companies, with the majority located in rural communities. We support Senator Baldwin's Meat Business Innovation Act that will provide the necessary tools for small companies to improve their facilities and have greater access to technical expertise needed for the development of new products that will provide opportunities for growth. We truly appreciate Senator Baldwin's recognition of the need and introduction of this legislation that will greatly benefit the many meat processors, farmers and ranchers nationwide," said Fritz Usinger, Usinger's.

“The Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors Board of Directors supports the Meat Business Innovation Act of 2024 and extends their gratitude to Senator Tammy Baldwin for her work on this initiative. The meat processing industry in Wisconsin is the backbone of our rural economies and plays a critical role in the food supply chain. The Meat Business Innovation Act of 2024 will provide much-needed resources for meat processors in Wisconsin and across the nation, allowing them to enhance their operations and strengthen the meat processing sector,” said the Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors.

“Wisconsin has a vibrant meat processing industry but it’s been stretched to its limits. Wisconsin Farm Bureau supports the efforts of Sen. Baldwin to increase the capacity and modernize the small, local meat processing facilities that rural Wisconsin farmers rely on,” said Brad Olson, Wisconsin Farm Bureau President.

“For decades, consolidation in meat processing has put the squeeze on farmers, and consumers, while humongous corporate powers rake in record profits. Today’s introduction of the Meat Business Innovation Act of 2024, is another step toward putting the power and profitability back in the hands of Wisconsin farmers and our rural communities,” said Wisconsin Farmers Union President Darin Von Ruden. “More innovation, investment, and market access for American farmers across the meat processing sector is a good thing and it’s great to see Senator Tammy Baldwin making livestock farmers a priority.”

A one pager on the legislation can be found here and the bill text can be found here.

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