Leave there no doubt that I am very concerned about Food Safety. But here, we have the highest food inspection standards in place. We just can't move our products. But, you can bet the large packing plants and processing plants take advantage of these restrictions. It's time to help out the family farmer, the small co-ops, the folks trying to get ahead in this rapidly concentrating industry.
Small plants deserve that chance to expand their markets beyond their own state borders.
The time has come to introduce some competition into the marketplace. This legislation is simply a win-win. The Montana Department of Agriculture as well as our pork and beef producers, strongly support efforts to pass legislation which will also improve food safety for our consumers. Today's hearing on the interstate shipment of meat is therefore critical and I urge this full Committee's support.