Mobile poultry processing units: a safe and cost-effective poultry processing option for the small-scale farmer in the United States

In developed countries, small farmer entrepreneurs contemplating poultry production are becoming more interested in assessing mobile poultry processing units (MPPU) to add additional value to the birds they sell in urban or farmers' markets. However, there continues to be a lack of viable poultry processing options for small flocks as evidenced by the recent United States Department of Agriculture map, which depicts the locations of both small farms and processing facilities, county by county, across the United States. This map substantiates the need for more affordable poultry processing options to serve small-scale farmers. Many small-scale farmers operate MPPUs under federal exemptions that exclude them from continuous inspections by the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service, but they are still required to meet all sanitation and wholesomeness requirements. Costs associated with processing are somewhat less under this exemption, but one is unable to sell poultry as having been inspected in the open market. The USDA-FSIS has also created a mobile slaughter unit compliance guide for those who wish to be USDA regulated. Either way, regulated or unregulated, the MPPU may be an affordable and efficient solution to add value to small flock production. Small-scale poultry farmers, both organic and pastured, may benefit from the opportunities associated with mobile processing.