In the late 1940s and early 50s, domestic rabbit was quite common in the meat markets in certain parts of the country. It sold for about the same price as chicken. Since then, however, the poultry industry has taken tremendous strides in production and marketing techniques, while the rabbit industry has lagged behind. Hindering the growth of the rabbit industry is a serious problem. Producers are reluctant to expand operations because there are so few processing facilities and they fear losing their markets.
Processors are wary of expanding into the rabbit area because they fear an inconsistent supply.
Each is waiting for the other to act in this Catch 22 dilemma. In recent months, the Mountain Pride Cooperative has formed to try to get past this standoff. Located at Mt. Lake Park in Garrett County, Maryland, the cooperative has membership from Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia and North Carolina. Although membership numbers are larger, about 35 producers are actively marketing through the cooperative. Country Pride Meats of Friendsville, Maryland, is the processor.