House Concurrent Resolution No. 30 urges the commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry to conduct a study and provide recommendations regarding the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption Act (PRIME Act). This act aims to enhance the operations of small meat processing businesses in Louisiana by advocating for local control, economic resilience, and support for small farmers. The resolution highlights the challenges faced by small meat processors due to federal regulations that impose costly inspection requirements, which hinder their ability to serve local markets effectively. By potentially exempting custom slaughter facilities from federal inspections for intrastate sales, the resolution seeks to lower operational costs, create jobs, and foster local economies while maintaining food safety standards.
The resolution emphasizes the importance of local control in regulating meat processing, allowing Louisiana to tailor its regulations to meet the specific needs of its producers and consumers. It calls for a comprehensive study to explore how to reduce regulatory burdens and redirect investments into local livestock industries, ultimately building resilient local food systems. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry is tasked with submitting a report by March 1, 2026, detailing the findings of the study and proposing a plan, including any necessary legislation, to support small meat processors and enhance the state's agricultural economy.