NMPAN is a university Extension-based national community of practice of people and organizations helping small meat processors thrive by growing our shared wealth of information and innovation. Small and mid-sized plants — when available at all — can lack capacity, equipment, appropriate inspection status, and the human and financial capital to upgrade or expand. To meet this need, NMPAN assists meat processors, producers, buyers, regulators, and others involved in this growing sector by coordinating, distributing, and developing information and resources to improve access to processing infrastructure and the long-term stability of this sector.
NMPAN’s Vision
A stable base of profitable and nimble small and mid-sized meat processors are essential to bringing sustainably- and humanely-raised meat and poultry to local and regional markets. Our theory of change is that connecting meat processors to each other and to supply-chain actors creates opportunities for peer-exchange, problem-solving, better understanding of different challenges and needs of the sustainable meat value chain. Incorporating the whole array of interests involved is essential to the long-term viability of the niche meat sector.
Who is part of NMPAN?
- Meat processors- custom and inspected, slaughter through retail butchers
- Livestock producers, marketers, and buyers
- Companies that support the meat sectors- equipment dealers, supplies companies, consultants, insurance brokers, architects and plant designers, and more
- Cooperative Extension and other academics
- State and federal departments of agriculture, food safety, and health
- Non-governmental organizations (of many types)
The NMPAN leadership team is comprised of Director Rebecca Thistlethwaite and a thirteen-member advisory board drawn from industry, academia, NGOs, and government. Learn more about NMPAN People>>
What are NMPAN’s impacts over the last decade?
Find a sneak peak here of the results of an in-depth evaluation of our last 10 years of work.
We have state affiliates in 43 states. Find help in your state>>
We combine comprehensive, often site-specific technical assistance with coordinated action for larger-scale, systemic solutions to challenges facing the niche meat processing sector.
What Are Niche Meats?
Locally raised, certified organic, grass-fed, no hormones or antibiotics, certified humane — we use “niche” very broadly to refer to many types of market differentiation. Niche meats are often marketed more directly to consumers with shorter supply chains and more regional distribution. Niche meat processors generally do some co-packing for local farmer/ranchers.
NMPAN Supporters
NMPAN would not be available to you without support from a diverse group of agencies, foundations, and generous private donors. NMPAN has received support from USDA Risk Management Education, USDA Food Safety Inspection Service, USDA Rural Development, USDA Economic Research Service, USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Heifer International, the national eXtension Initiative, USDA CSREES, the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development, Oregon State University, Iowa State Meat Processors Association, #NoRegrets Initiative, Sandy River Charitable Foundation, TomKat Ranch Educational Foundation, and the Lutsey Family Foundation. Business sponsors of NMPAN include: Mission Meats, Lorentz Meats, Vermont Packinghouse, and Bunzl Processor Division. A special thanks to Chuck Jolley of Jolley & Associates for providing us pro-bono marketing and outreach support.
Join NMPAN (it’s FREE)
- Ask questions, get answers, and share ideas: the NMPAN listserve>>
- Learn more about NMPAN people>>
- NMPAN does offer private consulting with our expert staff for more in-depth and private business projects. Please inquire with Rebecca about our consulting services and rates at thistler@oregonstate.edu
NMPAN Peer-to-Peer Consulting
NMPAN is about peer-to-peer learning. But some questions and challenges need more than a listserv discussion, of course. Whether you have a complicated problem or are planning to make a significant change to your processing business, you might benefit from a “thinking partner” – an experienced processor who has been there and can share insights and suggestions.
We’ve identified a small group of processors willing to be peer consultants for other processors. Thanks to some generous donors, we also have a small pool of funding to split the cost of their services.
If you are interested in working with a peer consultant, please fill out our very short application and we’ll get back to you quickly. This is a competitive program, so your request must be compelling. The application information can be found here
