ANCHORAGE — Industry stakeholders want the state Board of Agriculture to let private companies bid to operate a state-run slaughterhouse and prevent its closure.
The Alaska Dispatch News reported Mt. McKinley Meat & Sausage Plant is closing in June. Farmers and meat processors that make up the Denali Meat Co. asked the agriculture board on Thursday to request bids.
The plant is the only USDA-certified facility in southcentral Alaska, allowing producers to sell meat to restaurants and grocery stores.
Past attempts at shifting to private ownership have failed.
Mat Valley Meats owner Nate Burris said there is more interest in eating local now, and the market will be able to bear fair livestock prices for farmers.
The board is accepting public comments on the proposal March 31.
