I am a proud farmer in Sumner County, Kansas, supporting many rural towns by supplying farm fresh poultry. My farm is equipped with brand new processing equipment and a covered area to process the poultry in an open-air environment. However, the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) insists that I must have four walls to fully enclose the processing area. This interpretation is not explicitly stated in any law but seems to be a decision made by the KDA without any formal change to USDA-FSIS Sanitation Standards.

Open air processing has been proven effective and safe across numerous studies. It allows for better ventilation and reduces potential contamination risks associated with enclosed environments. Moreover, it is more cost-effective for small-scale farmers like myself who are trying to provide quality produce while maintaining sustainable farming practices.

This issue goes beyond my personal circumstance; it affects all local farmers who are striving to deliver fresh and healthy food options while adhering to environmental sustainability principles. We believe that this interpretation by KDA unnecessarily restricts our operations without adding significant benefits in terms of sanitation or safety.

We urge you to support us in asking the KDA for clarity on their interpretation of USDA-FSIS Sanitation Standards regarding open air processing. Let's stand together for local farms' rights and ensure we can continue providing our communities with high-quality poultry products processed safely under our practices.

Please sign this petition if you believe in supporting local agriculture and promoting fair regulations that benefit both farmers and consumers alike.