Positive steps outlined to boost small meat processing in Colorado
Candace Krebs, The Ag Journal
COVID-19 processing and supply chain disruptions have driven widespread interest in diversifying the existing portfolio of small to mid-sized meat plants, in an effort to make the food system more resilient and offer greater economic development opportunities for producers and rural communities.
The Economic Development Council of Colorado recently held a virtual roundtable to explore the needs, opportunities and challenges surrounding small meat infrastructural development.
Several agriculture leaders on the call talked about their frustrations but also pointed to existing programs and precedents that could offer a foundation to build on.
For producers who need livestock slaughtered, there is simply no availability out there, said Colorado Senator Jerry Sonnenberg, a third generation farmer from Sterling.