By Scout Nelson
Senator Roger Marshall has reintroduced the Direct Interstate Retail Exemption for Certain Transactions (DIRECT) Act, a bill designed to expand market opportunities for small meat processors and give consumers more ways to buy locally produced beef.
The legislation, co-sponsored by Senators Tommy Tuberville of Alabama and Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi, focuses on improving access to high-quality meat products while maintaining strong food safety standards.
“Like many states, Kansas has strong meat inspection standards that already meet federal requirements. By creating a simple exemption, the DIRECT Act uplifts our ranchers by empowering them to sell their high-quality beef in innovative ways and across state lines,” said Marshall.
The DIRECT Act would authorize state-inspected meat processors to sell beef across state lines directly to consumers in limited quantities. It would also support e-commerce-based sales, allowing producers to market their products online while maintaining full compliance with safety regulations. The bill ensures that all transactions include a traceable paper trail, enabling quick action in the event of any food safety concern.
This legislation reflects the growing trend of direct-to-consumer marketing in the meat industry, a model that has expanded significantly in recent years. As more consumers embrace online shopping for local food, the bill seeks to help small processors and livestock producers reach broader audiences without facing costly regulatory barriers.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) have both expressed strong support for the measure, emphasizing its potential to increase market exposure and profitability for local producers.
By simplifying regulations and embracing online sales opportunities, the DIRECT Act aims to create a fairer, more flexible marketplace for small meat processors while giving consumers easier access to trusted, locally sourced beef.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-luoman
Categories: Kansas, Business, Government & Policy, Livestock, Beef Cattle