New state meat inspection program will combat supply chain delays, lower prices

U.S. Department of Agriculture meat inspectors and graders at work. (Preston Keres/USDA/Flickr)

Oregon meat eaters are likely to have access to more local beef and other products and at cheaper prices with a new program that will localize meat inspections.

The program will expand the state’s processing capacity, allowing the Oregon Department of Agriculture to inspect meat that’s produced and sold within the state. Before, only the U.S. Department of Agriculture could conduct such inspections.…