09/01/2026
President Donald Trump and senior Administration officials have recently called for reducing regulatory barriers that make it difficult for farmers and ranchers to process and market their own meat. The Administration has also pledged to expand opportunities for smaller processors as part of its broader effort to address concentration in the meat industry and strengthen domestic food production. AAMP agrees that unnecessary regulatory burdens should be addressed. But the nation cannot build a more resilient food system simply by removing regulations. America needs a viable network of inspected, independent processors capable of serving livestock producers and consumers in communities across the country.
AAMP believes that the federal government should focus its attention at the real obstacles confronting independent processors. Read our suggestions here: https://aamp.com/news/734015/AAMP-American-Meat-Processors-Ensure-National-Security.htm.
“Deregulatory actions are important, but tangible support for the industry will be required to make durable, lasting change to how we produce a wholesome, safe product for the American people,” said Chris Young, Executive Director of the American Association of Meat Processors. “The men and women operating small and medium-sized processing businesses are already doing the work of strengthening our food system. What they need is the capital, workforce, and market incentives necessary to grow.”
