FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Washington, DC, March 31, 2025 -  Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance applauds Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Mike Lee (R-UT) for reintroducing the bipartisan Livestock Owned by Communities to Advance Local (LOCAL) Foods Act today, legislation that will permanently protect the rights of livestock farmers, consumers, custom processors, and itinerant slaughterers to practice and benefit from on-farm slaughter of livestock. 

“This legislation will reduce financial and regulatory burdens on small farmers, thereby improving consumers’ access to local foods,” commented Judith McGeary, regenerative farmer, lawyer, and Executive Director of the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance. “Many consumers want to buy from local farmers instead of massive corporations, but farmers are blocked by burdensome regulations written by and for agribusiness.”

Currently, the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) permits farmers to raise and butcher their livestock for personal use without inspection, but does not allow them to sell the resulting products to customers. The LOCAL Foods Act makes a simple update to the FMIA, protecting modern USDA guidance permitting the on-farm slaughter of livestock that a person owns. This important clarification allows non-farmer consumers to buy a live animal (in whole or in part) from local farmers, then hire an agent to complete on-farm slaughter. 

“On-farm slaughter aligns with the growing demand for locally-sourced food that respects community traditions,” said Diana Padilla, owner operator of Yahweh's All Natural Farm and Garden and Executive Director of HOPE for Small Farm Sustainability, "Through my work with farmers in my community, and as a beef farmer myself, I’m seeing increased demand from people who want to buy their meat directly from a farmer they personally know. The LOCAL Foods Act is a straightforward solution that will put more money in farmers' pockets while fostering meaningful connections between producers and their customers."   

Protecting on-farm slaughter allows farmers and ranchers expands market opportunities and value for their products while giving consumers additional choice, and strengthens regional food systems. The LOCAL Foods Act is a crucial opportunity for Congressional action to support farm viability and food security. FARFA and our farmer-members are grateful for the leadership of Senators Welch and Lee on this issue.   In addition to our appreciation for the Senate’s leadership on this crucial reform, FARFA is working to secure House sponsorship of this important bill.

In addition to Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance, the LOCAL Foods Act has been endorsed by a number of food and farm advocacy groups, including Rural Vermont, the Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund, and the National Family Farm Coalition. Additionally, more than 600 signatories from across the country have supported updating the Federal Meat Inspection Act.

 

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Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance is a national advocacy organization that provides support for the thousands of small to mid-size farmers and ranchers who produce food using sustainable/regenerative methods. Since 2006, FARFA has advocated for independent and family farmers while promoting common sense policies for strong local, diversified agricultural systems. FARFA also works on behalf of millions of American consumers who care about protecting a healthy and productive food supply for their families.

 

Media Contact: 

Maria Whitworth, Director of Communications & Engagement

214.493.9314 / maria@farmandranchfreedom.org