Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the USDA is working on a proposal for a waiver system for pork processing plants who’ve had their line speeds slowed down by the courts. His waiver plan would allow plants to speed up processing lines again. South Dakota Pork Producer’s Council’s Executive Director Glenn Muller says they appreciate the Secretary’s help in addressing the issue of pork plants being able to keep the food supply moving efficiently, safely and effectively.

He says it’ll take time to get the proposal approved and workable and it’ll have to pass legislative and legal muster so worker safety is ensured.

Muller says it’s critical the line speed issue be addressed to ensure worker safety, keep the nation’s food supply moving and also meet the needs of the consumer.

Vilsack says he’s working with the pork industry and worker’s representative’s on the issue.