News

USDA layoffs leave meat processing program facing new hurdles

A coordinator with a non-profit that supports small and medium-sized meat processors says layoffs at USDA are creating challenges.

Dave Carter is with the Flower Hill Institute.

“The folks that are at USDA, the downsizing has really been difficult for them. But the folks that are there are just doing their best right now, they’re shouldering now two jobs instead of one in many cases.”

Between January 2025 and early 2026, the USDA has lost about 20 percent of its workforce.

He tells Brownfield the institute will continue assisting with USDA’s Meat and Poultry Processing Technical Assistance Program through at least the end of the year.

“We’re playing I think a very important role in helping these processors navigate those challenges, because many of them, if they got a grant under the previous administration and were reporting and responsible for submitting reports and documentation, the personnel has changed.”

Carter says since the meat processing program was launched in 2022, there have been more than 1,600 requests for technical assistance.