(WDNews) — U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) has joined Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) in introducing the Direct Interstate Retail Exemption for Certain Transactions (DIRECT) Act, a bipartisan measure aimed at helping livestock and poultry producers expand their market reach and reduce regulatory barriers.
The legislation would create a narrow exemption under federal law allowing small producers, processors, and butchers to sell limited quantities of state-inspected meat and poultry products directly to consumers across state lines. The goal is to open new sales opportunities—such as online and direct-to-consumer purchases—without compromising food safety standards or international trade agreements.
“Ever since the Biden Administration, Alabama’s farmers and livestock producers have been struggling to survive,” said Tuberville. “Cutting red tape and providing our cattle and livestock producers with additional avenues to sell their Made in the U.S. products is a win. We must ensure we are putting American farmers and livestock producers first, not last.”
Sen. Marshall said the DIRECT Act is designed to cut through bureaucracy while maintaining quality standards. “The last thing our livestock producers need is more red tape. 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.”
Many states, including Alabama, already have State Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) programs approved as equivalent to the federal standards established under the Federal Meat Inspection Act and Poultry Products Inspection Act. These programs are regularly audited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) to ensure compliance and safety. The DIRECT Act would build on these programs, enabling small processors to sell normal retail quantities—up to 300 pounds of beef, 100 pounds of pork, or 27.5 pounds of lamb—directly to consumers in other states.
The bill also maintains food safety and trade safeguards by prohibiting exports of MPI products and excluding custom-exempt processors from interstate commerce. It would allow states operating under the Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) system to continue current labeling and shipping practices.
Alabama leaders praised the measure for balancing innovation with oversight.
“From day one, Coach Tuberville has brought common sense to Washington, D.C.,” said Rick Pate, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries. “The DIRECT Act expands consumer choice and supports Alabama cattle producers while maintaining food safety.”
Jimmy Parnell, president of the Alabama Farmers Federation, added, “This bill helps farmers and consumers alike. It creates new marketing opportunities for farmers while allowing consumers to buy direct from the farm with the added convenience of home delivery.”
Erin Beasley, executive vice president of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, said, “Streamlining accessibility of local beef for consumers while maintaining the safety of products is an innovative way to meet continued demand. We appreciate Coach’s support of the DIRECT Act, which creates more opportunities for small farms and meat processors.”
The legislation has been endorsed by the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries, the Alabama Farmers Federation, and the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association.
