Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig finalized a cooperative interstate shipment (CIS) agreement with the USDA. State-inspected meat and poultry processors in Iowa will now be able to sell their products across state lines by applying to the CIS program.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the important role that local community meat lockers play in the food supply chain,” Naig said. “I am excited for these meat processors to have the opportunity to grow their businesses, move more products and access new markets.”
To qualify for the program, a facility must have less than 25 employees and comply with all federal food safety, sanitation and facility regulations. While individual livestock producers may not apply to the program, they can sell their meat products across state lines if they are processed at a CIS facility.
Six other states have entered into CIS agreements; Indiana, Maine, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio and Wisconsin.
