The Arkansas Department of Agriculture plays a critical role in protecting public health and supporting the state’s food and agriculture industries through inspection, grading, and regulatory services for both animal and plant-based products.
Key programs include the Egg and Poultry Program, State Meat Inspection Program, and produce safety and commodity grading, including peanuts and sweet potatoes. USDA-certified staff conduct on-site inspections, enforce labeling standards, and provide compliance assistance to ensure products are safe, properly identified, and meet quality standards.
State departments of agriculture conduct 80% of food safety inspections nationwide and serve on rapid response teams to help prevent foodborne illness outbreaks.
Strong state–federal partnerships with USDA and FDA are essential to effective food safety oversight. These collaborations help build trust with producers and ensure consistent implementation of safety standards.
Together, these efforts help keep Arkansas-grown food products safe, wholesome, and market-ready.