Rep. Boebert Supports Farmers and Ranchers by Co-Sponsoring Bipartisan PRIME Act

Rep. Lauren Boebert (CO-03) stood up for farmers and ranchers by co-sponsoring Reps. Chellie Pingree and Thomas Massie’s bipartisan PRIME (Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption) Act.

Rep. Boebert stated: “Colorado’s Third Congressional District is home to the best farmers and ranchers in the country, and I am honored to work hard for them as they work hard for us every single day. I'm proud to co-sponsor the PRIME Act to give farmers and ranchers more freedom and less government.”

Background:

The agricultural supply chain’s recent problems demonstrated that solely relying on a small number of large industrial meat processors is a recipe for disaster. Our national food security was threatened as farmers and ranchers were forced to euthanize millions of pigs, chickens, and cattle during pandemic lockdowns. Additionally, a recent hack shut down JBS’ meat processing facilities—wiping out a quarter of the American beef supply.

Food security is national security. These recent crises underscored the need for farmers and ranchers to have more options and freedom to distribute their livestock to a diverse and competitive marketplace.

Current law already exempts custom butchering from federal inspection regulations, but only for meat going to personal, household, or employee use. This hurts local farmers and ranchers, since sometimes the nearest USDA-inspected processing facility is hundreds of miles away. The PRIME Act would allow small farms to thrive and support local foods by expanding the current exemption.

The PRIME Act increases the processing options for farmers and ranchers who want to sell meat to consumers at
farm stands, farmers’ markets, or home delivery.