The Arkansas Department of Agriculture announced that JACO Meats in Hope and the Arkansas State University Meat Market in Jonesboro are the first two facilities licensed by the new Arkansas Meat Inspection Program.
The program, which received federal approval last fall, aims to expand the market for cattlemen by allowing state-certified facilities to sell beef within the state. The program is a partnership with the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.
"We are hopeful that this program will continue to expand and increase the availability of locally-sourced meat and meat products for Arkansans," Wes Ward, state secretary of agriculture, said in a news release.
Arkansas is one of 28 states participating in Food Safety and Inspection Service programs, which allow state inspectors to ensure program enforcement and regulatory compliance in small establishments within their state.
The state programs must develop, administer and enforce requirements at least equal to those set forth in the Federal Meat Inspection Act.
The need for additional meat processing capacity was highlighted by food supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
