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Training and Certification

Animal slaughter and fabrication fall under a complex regulatory framework from both state and federal regulators. As part of our extension mission, we have developed a comprehensive training program that will educate Delaware’s small farmers on pertinent regulations governing on-farm animal processing. 

Training is completed in two parts. Part one of the training consists of an online course that can be completed at your own pace; it covers the basics of the regulations, how they apply to the Delaware State University Mobile Meat Processing Lab (MMPL) and how to apply for a USDA grant of inspection. Part two of the training is completed in person with DSU Cooperative Extension staff, and consists of an MMPL walkthrough and actual hands-on processing experience. Successful completion of both parts of the training is required before you begin using the MMPL on your farm.

Listed below are the required steps before you can lease the MMPL for use on your farm:

  1. Register for, and successfully complete, the online training course
    • link to training course (yet to be developed)
       
  2. Contact us at MMPL [at] desu.edu to schedule your in-person training.
     
  3. Invite a member of the MMPL team to visit your farm to conduct a site walk
  4. Apply for a Certificate of Inspection from the USDA