A measure intended to facilitate private sector horse processing plant development in Nebraska was approved by that state Senate's Agriculture Committee on Feb. 15.

The bill, LB 305, would establish a state inspection program for plants that process meat and poultry for human consumption. The program would operate under USDA State Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) Program requirements.

MPI programs operate in several states under a cooperative agreement with the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Under the agreement, participating states must enforce food safety requirements that meet or exceed those contained in the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act. Food products produced under the state inspections may not be distributed across state lines. Meat could be exported if plant operator can develop business ties with foreign markets, or if a foreign company is the developer.

The bill's sponsor State Sen. Tyson Larson said the measure would support existing plants that process grass-fed cattle, bison, elk, and ostrich. The measure would also invite horse processing plant developers to the state, he said