Media Advisory: Agriculture Deputy Secretary Merrigan to Host Media Conference Call to Discuss New Opportunities for Small Meat and Poultry Processors

WASHINGTON, August 9, 2012 – TODAY, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan will host a media conference call discussing this morning’s announcement that Ohio will be the first state to participate in USDA's Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program. Under this program, Ohio's small, state-inspected meat processors will be able to ship their products across state lines. The cooperative interstate shipment program will expand economic opportunities for America's small meat and poultry processors, strengthen state and local economies, and increase consumer access to safe, locally-produced food.

1:00 p.m. ET

WHAT:          Media conference call to discuss USDA’s Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program and efforts to strengthen local and regional food systems

WHO:             Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan

DIAL-IN:       Audio Bridge Number: (800) 857-5048

Passcode: USDA (Given Verbally)

Troubleshooting: 202-720-8560

All callers using the above pass code will be placed in listen only mode. To join the Q&A portion of the meeting, these callers are instructed to press *1 on their touch tone phone.

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