ANCHORAGE \u2014 Industry stakeholders want the state Board of Agriculture to let private companies bid to operate a state-run slaughterhouse and prevent its closure.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The plant is the only USDA-certified facility in southcentral Alaska, allowing producers to sell meat to restaurants and grocery stores.<\/p>\n
Past attempts at shifting to private ownership have failed.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The board is accepting public comments on the proposal March 31.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"