Since 2017, those operating as Poultry Exempt Operators (PEOs) as overseen by the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Meat and Poultry Inspection Division (MPID) have had the opportunity to seek a special exemption (sometimes referred to as 'the exemption to the exemption'). This special exemption has allowed PEOs to process birds for others to be sold. The special exemption will be ending December 31st, 2022, making this illegal after this date. 

For example, John Smith is a PEO with the special exemption. His neighbor, Jane Jones, sells poultry at the local farmers market. Jane takes her birds to John to be processed, and then sells them at the market. This process is legal under the special exemption. Beginning January 1st, 2023, this process will no longer be allowed, and John will no longer be operating under the special exemption. John could still process his own birds and sell them at the farmer's market, but Jane would need to complete the exemption process and process her own birds to continue selling at the market.

This change does not impact PEOs processing and selling their own poultry and will not impact the majority of poultry producers.

If you rely on someone else to process your poultry that is sold, now is the time to contact your local Extension agent or Poultry Area Specialized agent to make a plan for the future.