USDA Approves New Mexico State Meat and Poultry Inspection Program
USDA approves New Mexico’s State Meat and Poultry Inspection Program, expanding inspection capacity for small and very small processors.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the New Mexico State Livestock Board have finalized an agreement establishing New Mexico’s participation in the USDA State Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) program.
The agreement, finalized September 18, expands state meat and poultry inspection capacity and provides inspection services for small and very small processors in New Mexico while maintaining standards aligned with federal requirements.
What New Mexico’s Approval Means
New Mexico is now the 31st state with an approved State MPI program. USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will work with the New Mexico Livestock Board and local stakeholders on implementation, compliance, and the state program’s operation.
For New Mexico’s livestock industry, the program is intended to expand inspection capacity and support market access for small and very small meat and poultry processors.
USDA Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins said the agreement will support local producers and processors while maintaining food safety protections.
“Following up on President Trump’s historic executive order, New Mexico is opening up markets for their cattle ranchers! Expanding state inspection partnerships is a way that maintains clear, accountable food safety protections that is central to USDA’s strategy to strengthen America’s food system,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “New Mexico’s approval reflects our commitment to empowering small and very small processors, supporting local producers, and increasing resilience in the supply chain while protecting consumers with safe, wholesome, and properly labeled food.”
State Meat and Poultry Inspection Funding
Congress allocated $67.6 million to USDA in fiscal year 2025 to support state meat and poultry inspection programs, according to USDA.
The fiscal year 2026 budget provided an additional $15 million above the 2025 funding level. USDA said the additional funding is intended to support inspection capacity and technical assistance for State MPI partners.
State MPI programs are administered in cooperation with FSIS and state agencies. USDA’s budget materials describe the programs as supporting small and very small establishments and helping sustain and expand those businesses.
What Farmers Need to Know
The addition of New Mexico to the State MPI program gives small and very small meat and poultry processors in the state access to a state inspection system operating under USDA requirements.
State-inspected products generally are limited to distribution within the state. FSIS states that products produced under state inspection cannot be distributed across state lines unless they are produced under an applicable federal inspection program.
USDA said the New Mexico program will be implemented in coordination with the New Mexico Livestock Board and local stakeholders, with FSIS providing oversight and support for compliance with federal food safety standards.
