Source: Chris Scott, MEATINGPLACE, 1/24/18


USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue has released a set of principles for Congress to consider as the new 2018 Farm Bill is developed, including such issues as farm production, trade, nutrition, food safety and development.

The USDA primer – released as Perdue continues a 30-state tour of agriculture-related sites – does not include detailed specifics regarding meat production or processing, but covers:
- Developing a financial safety net for farmers adversely affected by economic stress and promoting crop insurance policies to help manage operational risks.
- Improving U.S. market competitiveness with regard to international trade by expanding investments and incentivizing stronger financial partnerships and making sure the Farm Bill is consistent with U.S. international trade laws.
- Safeguarding the domestic food supply and protecting animal health through improved biosecurity, prevention and emergency response in addition to protecting the integrity of the USDA organic certified seal.
- Supporting and enhancing the agency’s Food Safety & Inspection Services (FSIS) programs to ensure efficient regulation and the safety of meat, poultry and processed egg products, with a focus on aspects that pose the greatest public health risk.
- Committing to an agenda that places U.S. public research efforts at the forefront of food and agricultural scientific development and prioritizing investments in education and training of a workforce that can meet the growing demands of food and agricultural science.
- Partnering with states and local communities to invest in infrastructure to support rural prosperity, innovation and entrepreneurial activity.

Perdue – who will celebrate his first year as ag secretary on April 25 – is expected to touch on some of the themes in the document as his tour rolls on in 2018, including a stop today in Pennsylvania.

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