Representatives Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) have reintroduced the PRIME Act, aimed at easing regulations for small farms and ranches to serve consumers. The proposed legislation, H.R. 4700, seeks to allow states to permit intrastate distribution of custom-slaughtered meat such as beef, pork, or lamb to various outlets including consumers and grocery stores.
Rep. Massie stated, “Consumers want to know where their food comes from, what it contains, and how it’s processed. Yet federal inspection requirements make it difficult to purchase food from trusted, local farmers.” He emphasized the need for market freedom for producers and choice for consumers.
Rep. Pingree highlighted challenges faced by farmers in rural areas like Maine due to existing regulations and supply chain issues. She remarked that the PRIME Act is a “commonsense, bipartisan solution” supporting local meat processing infrastructure and providing transparency about food origins.
Under current law, custom slaughter of animals is exempt from federal inspection only if used personally or by households and employees. Farmers must use USDA-inspected slaughterhouses to sell individual cuts of meat. The PRIME Act proposes expanding this exemption to support small farms and reduce transportation costs.
The act has garnered support from numerous co-sponsors across various states. In parallel, Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Rand Paul (R-KY) have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
Both representatives are involved in farming activities; Massie raises cattle in Kentucky while Pingree manages a farm in Maine.
