U.S. Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX) introduced the Direct Interstate Retail Exemption for Certain Transactions Act. This legislation will allow state-inspected meat to be sold across state lines through e-commerce, allowing small producers and processors more options to directly market to consumers.

"As a result of COVID-19, meat processing plants across the country have been forced to close or slow operations and as a result we've seen a renaissance in small processors," says Johnson. "Many states, including South Dakota, have inspection standards that are at least equal to what the federal government requires. This bill cuts through red tape and allows producers, processors and retailers to sell state-inspected meat and poultry direct to consumers through online stores across state lines."

"America's meat industry has been hit hard by financial challenges resulting from the coronavirus pandemic," says Cuellar. "The bipartisan legislation will open up new markets for meat producers and processors by allowing meat inspected by the state to be sold online and across state lines. As a senior member of the Agriculture Subcommittee on Appropriations, I will continue to fight for the men and women who work every day to keep food on our table during these unprecedented times. I want to thank Congressman Dusty Johnson for his commitment to supporting our meat industry."

The DIRECT Act will:

This bill is supported by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Sheep Industry Association, U.S. Cattlemen's Association, South Dakota Cattlemen's Association, South Dakota Pork Producers Council and South Dakota Farm Bureau.

"The bill that Rep. Johnson is introducing is a step to opening up more markets for our local state inspected locker plants," says Craig Andersen, president of the South Dakota Pork Producers Council. "Through the last few months these plants have gone to extraordinary levels to help keep pigs in the food chain. They are in need of extra market access for the product they produce. This bill should also make it easier for producers to harvest and give product to local charities."

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