Strengthening Local Meat Economies Act of 2023

The Strengthening Local Meat Economies Act of 2023 requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture to increase procurement of meat and poultry from small, locally-focused processors. It defines "eligible processors" as those with fewer than 150 employees or processing less than 1 million pounds per month, not owned by larger entities or foreign companies. The bill mandates increasing procurement from these processors to $50 million or 50% in the first year after enactment, then $100 million or 75% in the next year, and at least 20% of total procurement thereafter. It requires using a new digital livestock exchange platform for these contracts and prioritizes processors owned by beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, or veteran farmers, as well as those with local sourcing or specific labeling. The bill also includes provisions to prevent market manipulation and requires the Secretary to report on procurement practices and barriers to participation.