Small poultry processing businesses would be able to expand their services with the help of a bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra.

The Republican from Hull introduced the Increasing Small Scale Poultry Processing Opportunities Act Thursday.

The measure was immediately welcomed by Brad Moline, a turkey farmer from Manson who is the president of the Iowa Turkey Federation.

“This bill will provide additional processing options for farmers and opportunities for consumers to buy more locally raised turkey and chicken,” he said in a written statement. “This is the first step in the right direction for increasing alternatives for poultry processing.”

“Thank you to Congressman Feenstra for listening to the needs of poultry farmers and for his leadership to invest in rural Iowa and support a positive future for the turkey industry,” he added.

According to Feenstra, his legislation would allow processors to conduct operations classified as regular slaughter and custom-exempt at the same facility.

He said he’s talked with poultry producers frustrated by a lack of processing options and small processors who want to expand their operations. His bill is intended to address the concerns of both groups. He said the bill will expand options, increase demand and provide flexibility for producers.

“By encouraging local processing and slaughter of poultry, we can deliver fresher products more quickly to consumers, eliminate unnecessary headaches and additional expenses for our producers and strengthen our agricultural economy in Iowa,” he said.

“Food security is national security, and this bill invests in our rural communities and the food supply chain for the betterment of our farmers, businesses and families,” he added.

The bill awaits action by committees in the U.S. House of Representatives.