The state’s Financial Stimulus Accountability Group (FSAG) approved $12.5M for a new meat lab facility focused on workforce development, education, research, and training last week. The University of Tennessee partnered with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Farm Bureau, and other key agriculture stakeholders to advocate for this state-of-the-art meat processing Extension, teaching, and research facility. The space will support workforce development for the Tennessee meat fabrication and processing industry, provide education for Herbert College of Agriculture and the College of Veterinary Medicine students, facilitate research that will enhance the quality and safety of Tennessee meat products, and increase industry adaptability and resiliency. UT especially appreciates the advocacy of the House and Senate Agriculture Chairs, who championed the project, as well as the entire membership of the state’s FSAG group for their support.
