Puget Sound MeatThe PSMPC is a non-profit cooperative of local ranchers, farmers, butchers, restaurant owners and others joined in the operation of a mobile, USDA-inspected meat processing unit servicing Pierce, King, Kitsap, Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor, Thurston, Mason, and Lewis Counties.
The PSMPC Mobile Meat Processing Unit (MMPU) is a 45-foot tractor/trailer designed to meet USDA specifications which travels to local farms & ranches to process the animals, then transports the animal carcasses to a cooperative partner cut & wrap facility for further processing.
Timeline
February 2008
First meeting attended by 80 producers and stakeholders results in formation of the Meat Project Steering Committee.
March 2008
Georgine Yorgey, UW grad student conducts a survey of regional needs. PSMPC becomes incorporated.
March 2008
Deanna Burnett-Keener of the Washington State Small Business Assistance Center at Green River Community College assists with businessplan development.
June 2008
Pierce Conservation District Board of Directors approvesfunding for the mobile meat processing unit.
November 2008
PSMPC selects mobile meat processing unit design and offers membership shares. Local Meat for Local Meals is on its way!
March 2009
First Annual Members Meeting is held. Bylaws are ratified and the Board of Directors is voted into office.
April 2009
Pierce Conservation District issues a Request for Proposals to operate the mobile unit.
May 2009
Pierce Conservation District accepts PSMPC's Proposal and contract negotiations begin.
June 2009
Mobile Meat Processing Unit is delivered and ribbon-cutting ceremony is held.
July 2009
PSMPC tests unit and makes final adjustments to meet USDA requirements.
August 2009
PSMPC passes USDA inspection and WSDA Organic Program inspection, and begins evaluation and qualification of harvest sites.