AFDO has been active in discussions of this bill and the Senate may move it this session, so, I encourage you to contact your Senators to express your views on the bill. As you know, the rule has been implemented in all plants, and FSIS has completed its equivalency determinations to ensure that countries eligible to export to the United States have equivalent systems in place. USDA is a leader in applying the concept of equivalence, and FSIS continues to audit and inspect to remain confident that exporting countries have implemented equivalence systems. As we pursue our food safety initiatives in both the domestic and international sectors, it is a major priority of USDA to work more closely with our state and local counterparts. I believe there are many good examples of our commitment to strong partnerships.
Interstate shipment is one prime example.
Our legislative proposal is designed to encourage the creation and continuation of state programs. Our project to ensure the continued safety of the meat, poultry and egg products while in distribution channels is another project where we are working very closely with the states. FSIS recently held a public meeting on food safety during in-distribution, and I am pleased that AFDO was represented at the meeting. This project illustrates the type of cooperative working relationship to improve food safety that we believe is possible among the various levels of government. In fact, FSIS is now working with Minnesota to develop a model appropriate for that particular state, and we look forward to working with other states as well.