Meat inspection part of debate on new farm bill

TOPEKA - Farm and consumer groups, food inspector unions as well as Kansas Agriculture Secretary Adrian Polansky are backing a U.S. Senate farm bill provision to help farmers sell meats across state lines.

While U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, supports the concept, the Senate bill's language could prove too restrictive, he said, denying states flexibility in conducting meat inspections.

The measure would allow for state-inspected meats to cross state lines on the condition there is federal oversight of the plants.