Peace Garden News

Senators John Hoeven and Mike Rounds have introduced two bills aimed at expanding the markets for meat and poultry products while addressing federal government oversight concerns. The legislative proposals are crafted to benefit farmers and strengthen rural economies.

The first bill, "The New Markets for State Inspected Meat and Poultry Act," seeks to authorize the interstate sale of meat and poultry products that have been inspected under state Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) programs. Presently, products inspected by state programs are restricted to being sold only within that state, even though state inspections meet or exceed federal inspection standards. The bill is cosponsored by Senators John Thune, Angus King, John Barrasso, Kevin Cramer, Steve Daines, Chuck Grassley, Cynthia Lummis, and Tina Smith.

The second proposition, the "Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act," looks to reform the NRCS under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The aim is to protect farmers, ranchers, and landowners from excessive regulatory measures and provide them with the autonomy to safeguard their lands according to their judgment. Senator Kevin Cramer is also a cosponsor of this bill.

Senator Hoeven said, “Strengthening rural America starts with empowering the people who feed it. These commonsense reforms support our farmers and ranchers, open up new markets, and cut unnecessary red tape—boosting local economies, creating opportunity, and delivering real benefits for North Dakota and the entire country.”