Christopher Freeman

Testimony in Support of HB396: Expanding In-State Meat Processing Exemptions Dear Members of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, I am writing in strong support of HB396, which would allow meat and meat food products slaughtered and processed within New Hampshire to be sold in-state without requiring USDA inspection. This bill represents a commonsense, bipartisan opportunity to support local farmers, bolster food security, enhance safety, and promote economic resilience—while challenging the monopolistic practices of industrial meatpackers that have weaponized federal regulations to stifle competition. Why HB396 Matters This bill is not a radical departure from existing food policy but rather a logical extension of the exemptions already granted for poultry processing. Similar models work well in other states, demonstrating that New Hampshire can regulate its own meat production safely and effectively without unnecessary federal oversight designed to benefit corporate packers at the expense of independent farmers. Supports Local Food and Community-Based Agriculture New Hampshire farmers have long struggled with the bottleneck of USDA-certified slaughter facilities, which are few, expensive, and often overbooked months in advance. This forces local farmers to either: Transport livestock out of state, increasing stress on animals and costs for producers. Sell directly to consumers under custom-exempt rules, limiting their market options. HB396 would give small and mid-sized farms a fighting chance by allowing them to process and distribute their products within state lines under state-regulated oversight—just as we do for poultry. Combats Rent-Seeking by Massive Corporations The modern meat industry is an oligopoly dominated by four major corporations (Tyson, JBS, Cargill, and National Beef) that leverage USDA regulations to crush smaller competitors. Federal regulations have been distorted into economic weapons, with small processors subjected to excessive compliance costs that large corporations can absorb. One egregious example is the requirement that every USDA-inspected slaughterhouse must provide a separate bathroom exclusively for the on-site USDA inspector—a rule that has zero impact on food safety but represents a significant financial burden on small businesses. Other barriers include: Unfunded testing mandates that disproportionately impact small processors. Strict facility design codes that force expensive modifications, driving smaller players out. Line speed restrictions selectively applied—small plants face aggressive enforcement, while large packers get regulatory leniency. These anti-competitive practices ensure that big meatpackers maintain control of the supply chain, limiting consumer choice, increasing dependence on centralized facilities, and squeezing independent farmers and butchers out of the market. HB396 is an essential step toward breaking this stranglehold, fostering a more diverse and resilient meat processing sector that is not beholden to predatory corporate interests. Improves Food Safety by Reducing Contamination Risks Industrial slaughterhouses process thousands of animals per day, increasing the likelihood of cross-contamination and mass-scale foodborne illness outbreaks. Small-scale, local processing facilities: Handle lower volumes, reducing contamination risk. Provide greater accountability and oversight per animal. Reduce recall scope—a localized issue in a small facility doesn’t result in multi-state product withdrawals. The idea that food is "safer" when processed at a massive, centralized facility instead of a local, state-regulated butcher is not just illogical—it is disproven by history. Strengthens Food Security Through Supply Chain Resilience COVID-19 revealed the deep vulnerabilities in our food system, as major meatpacking plants shut down due to outbreaks, causing widespread shortages and price spikes. By decentralizing processing, HB396 reduces dependence on a fragile supply chain, ensuring New Hampshire’s food supply remains stable even during crises. Creates Jobs and Keeps More Food Dollars in New Hampshire Instead of allowing large corporations to extract wealth from our local economy, HB396 would: Support New Hampshire’s farmers and butchers, keeping food production within our borders. Create local jobs in rural areas, fostering economic resilience in agricultural communities. Encourage entrepreneurship in meat processing, allowing more small businesses to thrive. Reduces Occupational Hazards and Improves Animal Welfare Large processing plants prioritize speed over safety, often at the expense of workers and animal welfare. By allowing meat to be processed in smaller facilities with greater oversight per animal, HB396: Lowers the risk of workplace injuries from dangerous high-speed slaughter conditions. Reduces stress on animals by minimizing long-haul transport. Encourages ethical slaughtering practices with more individualized care. Conclusion: A No-Brainer for Bipartisan Support HB396 is not about deregulation—it’s about right-sizing regulation to fit New Hampshire’s needs. We already have a successful model for poultry—why not extend it to beef, pork, and other livestock? Unfortunately, this bill currently lacks bipartisan sponsorship, despite its clear alignment with both conservative and progressive values: For conservatives: It supports local businesses, reduces regulatory overreach, and strengthens free-market competition. For progressives: It promotes food sovereignty, supports small farmers, and creates sustainable, local jobs. We should all be able to agree on empowering local food producers, protecting food security, and curbing the power of monopolistic agribusiness giants. I urge legislators across party lines to come together to pass HB396 and ensure that New Hampshire’s food system remains diverse, resilient, and independent. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Christopher Freeman B.A. in Environmental Studies (Concentration: Food Systems) 2 Years Farm Operations Management 6.5 Years Logistics Finance Analyst (Food Distribution & Network Optimization