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Writer's pictureAgriForaging Food Safety

AgriForaging and Down the Road Butchery – Keeping It Local



Location and Contact Information:

Milan, NY

Tel: 845-242-7958


Client Background:

Down the Road Butchery is a locally owned and operated business in Milan, NY, led by Greg Hangac. Down the Road Butchery is dedicated to supporting local agriculture in the Hudson Valley, ensuring that consumers have access to high-quality, locally sourced meat products. Greg connected with AgriForaging through the Berkshire Agricultural Ventures Local Meat Processing Support Program, which aims to improve processing bottlenecks for livestock farmers in the Berkshire-Taconic Region.


According to Greg, over the last decade, people have become more concerned with where their food comes from. Supermarket chain stores have been a major outlet for consumers. When the 2020 pandemic hit, they saw supermarket shelves empty. Many consumers who were not using local farmers and their local markets began to. Farmers were limited on product due to the spike in demand that occurred. They needed to increase their herd size to meet consumers' demand for animal protein. When you purchase cuts of meat from the supermarket, you have no idea where it's coming from, how it was raised, or the quality of the product. With Down the Road Butchery, they keep it local and transparent so you know where everything comes from.


Project Overview:

In June 2024, Down the Road Butchery achieved USDA FSIS inspection approval for meat processing, a significant milestone that allows them to meet the growing demand for local meat products with the highest standards of quality and safety. This accomplishment was facilitated by AgriForaging’s comprehensive consulting services, which are offered as part of the Local Meat Processing Support Program through Berkshire Agricultural Ventures.


Services Provided by AgriForaging:

1. Floor Plan/Plant Compliance Guidance and Building Infrastructure Recommendations:

AgriForaging offered plant design guidance to ensure Down the Road Butchery met all necessary federal compliance standards. This included providing architectural and infrastructure recommendations tailored to their specific needs and specific process categories.


2. Navigating USDA FSIS Communication and Compliance Guidance:

The process of obtaining USDA FSIS inspection approval requires clear communication and adherence to federal regulations. AgriForaging assisted Down the Road Butchery in navigating these requirements, ensuring compliance with all necessary guidelines.


3. HACCP Plan Development and Implementation:

AgriForaging developed and implemented a customized Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan for Down the Road Butchery. This plan is essential for ensuring food safety and meeting federal inspection standards.


4. On-going Compliance Support:

Compliance with USDA FSIS regulations is an ongoing process. AgriForaging continues to provide support to Down the Road Butchery, ensuring they remain compliant with all relevant standards and regulations.


Outcome:

With AgriForaging’s expertise and support, Down the Road Butchery successfully obtained USDA FSIS inspection approval in June 2024. This achievement has enabled them to expand their operations, meet the increasing demand for local meat products, and contribute to the sustainability of local agriculture in the Hudson Valley.


Conclusion:

The partnership between AgriForaging and Down the Road Butchery highlights the importance of expert guidance in achieving regulatory compliance and operational excellence. Through dedicated support and specialized services, AgriForaging in partnership with Berkshire Agricultural Ventures has helped Down the Road Butchery realize their vision and continue to thrive as a key provider of locally sourced meat products in the Hudson Valley.


For more information on how AgriForaging can assist your agricultural business, please contact us today.

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