ST. PAUL, MINN. — The launch of a new resource allows meat processors to find answers to common industry questions. On Jan. 24, the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) announced the release of the Animal Protein Processing Resource Database.

The digital database offers information on training and financial programs, which users can filter by topic, species and location.

“The intention of the Animal Protein Processing Resource Database is to make it easier for processors and other stakeholders in the Upper Midwest to find information on common topics,” said Laura Bachmeier, AURI’s business development director of meat. “Whether it be options available for training, questions about food safety, financials or assistance with a business model, we created a convenient hub that new entrants and existing businesses can utilize.”

“We were able to access and curate existing and underutilized resources to build this robust tool,” she added. “We believe this database will be a valuable resource for meat processors to help meet their business needs.”

AURI created the database through a partnership with the US Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Services (USDA-AMS).

In their partnership, AURI and USDA-AMS are working to increase competition in the meat and poultry industry. The database specifically works to equip regional small- to medium-scale meat processors with important business knowledge resources.

AURI said industry members needed a centralized hub of information from trusted sources addressing common questions for new and established meat processing businesses.

The resource will be updated with new information based on feedback and suggestions, AURI said.