A Story City meat locker has become the first meat processing facility in Iowa to gain entry into the USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program. According to a news release from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, under the program, Story City Locker LLC can remain under state inspection but will be allowed to receive a federal mark of inspection and sell products across state lines. The program allows small meat processing facilities to increase their business and expand their markets. It also helps producers get their products on regional store shelves, the release stated. Ty Gustafson, owner of the Story City Locker, said the program is a “great example of regulatory staff  working with businesses to find solutions” and expand opportunities. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig said local meat lockers play an important role in a community’s food supply chain, and that the Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program will expand availability of Iowa products to  more consumers.